The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that a move is underway in the Georgia Legislature that could return millions of dollars state-wide to 911 systems.  In Chattooga County it could mean thousand of dollars invested by the county would be returned.

Fees from the sale of prepaid cell phones were intended to pay for upgrades to 911 facilities but went instead to the state general fund, accounting for $28 million since 2008.

At the same time, more than 90 percent of local 911 centers required subsidies from local governments, money that could instead go toward fixing potholes or improving parks.

House Bill 256 would, for the first time, break out that fee on prepaid wireless receipts. The money raised, estimated to be as little as $9 million to double that in a year, would be split among 911 centers based on population served.

“It just makes sense to get the funds used for the purpose they are being raised,” said Wendell Willard, the Sandy Springs Republican who is sponsoring HB 256.

The $1.50 fee for 911 services is just one of $30 million in fees that Georgia collected in the last year that never ended up being spent on the intended purposes.

Local facilities still receive a $1.50 fee on every wireless or land-based phone line in their jurisdiction to help pay for service. But because that tally often falls short of the price tag for service, the 911 fee on prepaid wireless earned more scrutiny from lawmakers before the legislative session began.  (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Chattooga County Commissioner Jason Winters told AM 1180 that if passed, Chattooga County could see around $40,000 returned to the county coffers.