North County Incorporated Announces Support of Proposition E-911
North County Incorporated
October 14, 2009
The North County Incorporated (NCI) Board of Directors approved a resolution stating support of Proposition E-911, which will be included on the November 3rd ballot. They are encouraging local residents and businesses to support this issue and the one-tenth of one cent sales tax, which will be used to fund the improvement of emergency communication systems throughout the area.
Federal requirements mandate that all public safety entities improve and modernize their emergency communications by the end of 2012, which will require them to replace radio and other equipment by many first-responder agencies, such as municipal and county police and fire departments and districts. The emergency communications systems currently in place throughout St. Louis County are largely based on World War II technology and are department-independent systems that do not allow police, fire, EMS, trauma centers, and other responders to easily communicate with each other. The current communications systems also lack the ability to identify the location of a cell phone 911 call, which makes it difficult for responders to locate the caller quickly and reliably. Furthermore, the countrywide siren system in St. Louis County has gaps in coverage, cannot be zoned for localized emergencies, and has no voice capability to warn of severe weather or other public safety threats.
Local government officials recognize the need for multiple jurisdictions to work together and communicate effectively during emergencies and other counties in Missouri, such as Jefferson County, St. Charles County and the City of St. Louis have already authorized funding and are creating countrywide systems. North County Incorporated also recognizes the need for these necessary upgrades of our emergency communication systems and thus encourages voters to authorize the funding of these improvements through a one-tenth of one cent sales tax, literally the cost of one dime on a $100 purchase.
North County Incorporated is a regional development organization, which acts as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County. NCI was established in 1977. The Board is composed of community leaders and business owners. Lillie Dumas is the current chairperson.
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