Fee increase proposed to help Lafayette 911 keep up with technology costs
Fee increase proposed to help Lafayette 911 keep up with technology costs
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/fee-increase-proposed-help-lafayette-222644542.html
Publish Date: 2026-06-12 18:26:00
Source Domain: www.yahoo.com
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — A new state law could eventually lead to a small increase on phone bills across Louisiana as local 911 districts look for additional funding to keep pace with rising technology costs and growing demands.
State lawmakers approved legislation allowing local 911 districts to increase the monthly surcharge on phone lines from $1.25 to as much as $2.
Craig Stansbury, director of the Lafayette Parish Communications District, said 911 centers serve as critical infrastructure and must remain operational around the clock.
“It could be an ambulance, it could be the police, it could be the fire department; that’s too many numbers to know offhand, but everybody knows ‘Call 911,’” Stansbury said. “So once you enhance that technology, we can’t go down. So all that equipment, unfortunately, increases every single year that we have to upkeep with.”
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Stansbury said the cost of operating a modern 911 center has changed significantly over the years.
“In the past, we didn’t have to have cybersecurity,” he said. “Well, now cybersecurity is something that every 911 has. It’s become a problem across the United States and everywhere.”
He said additional funding would help districts continue investing in technology aimed at improving service and response times for first responders.
“It’s definitely going to good use,” Stansbury said. “We are going to put this technology in effect to help you. And honestly, we hope no one has to call 911. But in the event you do have to call 911, we want you be assured that you’re going to get the best, most professional service available to you and we will get you help as soon as possible.”
The legislation still awaits Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature. Even after it becomes law, the Lafayette Parish Communications District Board would still have to approve any local increase. Officials would then be required to notify phone carriers…
