County Leaders Call for 911 Surcharge Increase
News Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Technology is evolving. Expectations are increasing. And the funding structure has not kept pace
County leaders from across Pennsylvania convened at York County’s 911 Center on Monday to call for long-term sustainability of the state’s 911 system through an increase in the 911 surcharge. The 911 surcharge is a monthly fee attached to each phone line/device (cell, landline, VoIP) that is used to fund the 911 system in Pennsylvania.
See full press conference here
“Every day, Pennsylvanians rely on 911 to be there in their most critical moments. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a fire, or a call for law enforcement, the system must work—quickly, efficiently, and without fail,” said CCAP Executive Director Dr. Kyle Kopko. “However, the reality is that costs continue to rise. Technology is evolving. Expectations are increasing. And the funding structure has not kept pace.”
Pennsylvania counties are advocating for an increase in the monthly 911 surcharge from $1.95 to $2.20. The state’s 911 system is primarily funded though this surcharge and through county property taxes.
“Let me be clear: counties are doing everything we can to control costs and operate our 911 systems as efficiently as possible,” said Joe Kantz, CCAP President and Snyder County commissioner. “We’ve embraced consolidation. We’ve pursued regionalization. We’ve invested in shared services and modern technology—all to reduce duplication and improve service delivery.”
Compared nationally, Pennsylvania’s surcharge is average but covers a significant share of operating costs; other states rely on higher fees, percentage-based charges, or state General Fund support.
“Counties are doing their part to keep our 911 systems updated, staffed and ready to respond at a moment’s notice,” said York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler. “The state mandates counties provide these services, and it is past time for the state to do its part to ensure these critical public safety systems are adequately funded – not just for today, but for our future generations.”
Sullivan County Commissioner Brian Hoffman, who is also the co-chair of CCAP’s Emergency Management and Veterans Affairs Committee, spoke from the perspective of one of Pennsylvania’s smaller, more rural counties.
“Without an increase in the surcharge, counties will be forced into difficult decisions that could affect service levels, staffing, and long-term system investments,” Hoffman said.
Counties are hopeful to have productive communication with the legislature and Shapiro administration regarding the future of the 911 system in Pennsylvania.
“This is about public safety. It’s about reliability. And ultimately, it’s about saving lives,” Kopko said. “We appreciate the partnership of policymakers and stakeholders in advancing this priority, and we look forward to continuing this work together.”
See full press conference here
“Every day, Pennsylvanians rely on 911 to be there in their most critical moments. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a fire, or a call for law enforcement, the system must work—quickly, efficiently, and without fail,” said CCAP Executive Director Dr. Kyle Kopko. “However, the reality is that costs continue to rise. Technology is evolving. Expectations are increasing. And the funding structure has not kept pace.”
Pennsylvania counties are advocating for an increase in the monthly 911 surcharge from $1.95 to $2.20. The state’s 911 system is primarily funded though this surcharge and through county property taxes.
“Let me be clear: counties are doing everything we can to control costs and operate our 911 systems as efficiently as possible,” said Joe Kantz, CCAP President and Snyder County commissioner. “We’ve embraced consolidation. We’ve pursued regionalization. We’ve invested in shared services and modern technology—all to reduce duplication and improve service delivery.”
Compared nationally, Pennsylvania’s surcharge is average but covers a significant share of operating costs; other states rely on higher fees, percentage-based charges, or state General Fund support.
“Counties are doing their part to keep our 911 systems updated, staffed and ready to respond at a moment’s notice,” said York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler. “The state mandates counties provide these services, and it is past time for the state to do its part to ensure these critical public safety systems are adequately funded – not just for today, but for our future generations.”
Sullivan County Commissioner Brian Hoffman, who is also the co-chair of CCAP’s Emergency Management and Veterans Affairs Committee, spoke from the perspective of one of Pennsylvania’s smaller, more rural counties.
“Without an increase in the surcharge, counties will be forced into difficult decisions that could affect service levels, staffing, and long-term system investments,” Hoffman said.
Counties are hopeful to have productive communication with the legislature and Shapiro administration regarding the future of the 911 system in Pennsylvania.
“This is about public safety. It’s about reliability. And ultimately, it’s about saving lives,” Kopko said. “We appreciate the partnership of policymakers and stakeholders in advancing this priority, and we look forward to continuing this work together.”