Pennsylvania Proposes 911 Surcharge Increase
The proposed 25-cent hike could shift 911 funding costs to phone subscribers and away from local property taxes.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Financial Planning
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The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania is lobbying for a 25-cent increase to the state's 911 phone bill surcharge to address rising operational costs. This proposal, if approved by the General Assembly, would adjust a fee that has remained at $1.95 since 2023.
Why it matters
Local governments currently shoulder a significant portion of emergency service costs because the surcharge has not kept pace with inflation and technological upgrades. Officials warn that without this adjustment, local taxpayers could face higher property tax burdens to cover funding gaps.
Pennsylvania counties spent $112 million of their own funds on 911 operations in 2025, while the current $1.95 surcharge raised $385 million. The proposed 25-cent increase aims to address a funding gap caused by rising labor costs and the phase-out of legacy digital equipment.
The players
County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania
An organization representing the local government officials who administer county budgets and advocate for state funding.
General Assembly
The state legislature responsible for enacting laws, including those that authorize fees and taxes on state residents.
The details
Emergency call centers are facing annual budget pressure as they transition to new communication technologies and manage rising labor costs for personnel. Because the current surcharge is fixed, counties rely on local property tax revenues to bridge the deficit between fee collections and actual operating expenses. County commissioners are now preparing to submit a formal request to the General Assembly to raise the per-line fee, aiming to shift the financial burden back to the surcharge system.
Timeline
1990: Legislation created the original 911 surcharge system.
2023: The General Assembly last increased the 911 surcharge.
2025: Counties spent $112 million in local funds on 911 services.
October 30, 2026: Commissioners held a public policy hearing in Berks County.
2027: The General Assembly will review the proposed surcharge increase.
Money Landscape
The proposed fee hike reflects the ongoing challenge of maintaining essential public infrastructure as technology costs outpace legacy funding models. This move follows a recurring cycle of legislative adjustments to the state's 1990 surcharge structure, which has struggled to keep up with current inflation.
If the legislature approves the 25-cent monthly surcharge increase, household phone bills will see a direct, albeit small, rise in recurring costs. Residents should monitor upcoming legislative sessions, as failing to adjust this fee could lead local governments to increase property taxes to cover budget shortfalls.
The takeaway
Rising 911 operational costs are putting pressure on local budgets, creating a potential trade-off between phone bill surcharges and property taxes. Review your local county budget notices or municipal hearing announcements to track how your area addresses these infrastructure funding gaps.
What happens next
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania is scheduled to submit its formal funding request to the General Assembly during the 2027 legislative session.
Further reading
For more on managing your household budget against local cost shifts, visit our Financial Planning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LancasterOnline.
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Should your state government increase phone surcharges to fully fund local 911 emergency centers?
