911 question and answer      

Question

To the editor:

Didn't anyone question the need for over 100 percent increase per month? Some of us have three phones. We cannot afford this kind of increase. It never goes down but continues to go up. The 911 charge here in Florida is 55 cents per month. Maybe someone isn't good at staying within a budget. Numbers don't tell us much about how the money could be spent more frugally. Thanks.

Betty Behrens

[to top of second column in this section]

Answer

From Mike Patridge, chairman of the Logan County Emergency Telephone System Board

Dear Ms. Behrens:

Reference your comments concerning the 911 referendum. Yes, there were questions concerning the amount of $1.10 per month increase, mostly by the members of the ETSB. We struggled through many meetings trying to keep the request to a minimum and yet provide the necessary funds for the 911 system. Basically, the funds will be used for the following: 1. Our share of employee salaries for the dispatchers; 2. Dispatcher training; 3. Replacement costs for existing computer hardware, software and radio equipment; 4. Create a reserve account for future equipment upgrades.

Regarding your point that you have three phones. The 911 surcharge is applied only to the bill for each telephone number. If you have three phones in your residence and they are all extensions of the same telephone number, then you will have only one 911 surcharge on your bill. Also, the 911 surcharge for Logan County is applied to land line telephones only. Cell phone charges for 911 services are regulated by state of Illinois.

In regard to the Florida charge of 55 cents per month, 911 revenue is based upon the number of telephone lines. Bigger population generally would equal increased revenue for the 911 system. Yes, our budget does reflect where the money is being spent, and it also indicates the need for the referendum request.

I want to thank you for taking the time to ask these very worthwhile questions. Everyone in Logan County should become familiar with the facts so they can make an informed decision. We invite you and anyone else that requires further information to attend any of the several public meetings that are being held in February to discuss these and other issues. If you have any further questions, please call the 911 business office at [phone].

Thank you,

Michael R. Patridge

Chairman

Logan County ETSB

(posted Jan. 31, 2004)

Life Sentence, No Parole

If we tried to invent the cruelest punishment for dogs, we probably couldn't come up with anything worse than "solitary confinement" on a chain or in a kennel.

Dogs are pack animals who crave the companionship of others.  Scratches behind the ears, games of fetch, or even just walks around the block mean the world to them.  Curling up at your feet while you watch TV is their idea of heaven.

Many dogs left to fend for themselves at the end of a chain fall prey to attacks by other animals or cruel people, and many others are injured or hanged or choke as a result of getting entangled or caught in their tether.

If you have a backyard dog, please, bring him or her inside.  They don't want much--just you.

A public service announcement from Lincoln Daily News and helpinganimals.com