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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota residents will see an increase on their home phone and cell phone bills by $.50 starting July 1st due to recent legislation.

House Bill 1178 will increase all phone bills the raise funds for the new Statewide Interoperable Radio Network. The increased tax will be collected by the county and in turn be given to the State Treasurer’s office to be added to the funds.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist reports that the cost of the project is estimated due to the approaching end of life for most radio consoles throughout the state.

In other news, Bergquist reports that Jamestown and some of Stutsman County are roughly four inches lower than normal for precipitation. He pointed out that the major dry conditions in the western part of the state continue to expand. The latest drought monitor shows that North Dakota is on the verge of a more serious emergency if it continues.

Bergquist later reported that in January, they found several guide wires on their emergency towers were in need of repair.

Bergquist says they’ll also look at the anchors. The cost of the project will be around $7,200 and they would use 911 funds for that purpose.

Kim Franklin was also introduced as the new Stutsman County Assistance Emergency Manager, filling the void left by Sarah Van de Velde. Franklin previously served as the Barnes County Emergency Manager and has experience in 911 operating systems.