911 Coordinating Council provides update

From the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council, November 14, 2011: :

As you know, Senate Bill 50 that was passed during the 2011 Legislative Session, made significant changes to the 911 laws of the state. We wanted to update you on several key aspects of the new law.

• Local Ordinances and Resolutions. First and foremost, it is important that you understand that local ordinances and resolutions with regard to 911 fees will become invalid as of January 1, 2012. It is recommended that you repeal your existing ordinances and resolutions as of that date, and adopt a new ordinance or resolution to administer the new 911 fees that you will begin receiving in 2012. An example of a county resolution can be found on the http://www.kansas911.org/ website.

• Statewide Coordinating Council. As required by the new law, the Governor has appointed the 911 Coordinating Council which has been tasked with several timeline sensitive functions. A complete list of Council members can be found at http://www.kansas911.org/

• Website Expansion. To keep all PSAP directors, managers and or supervisors up-to-date with these challenges, the Council has expanded the existing http://www.kansas911.org/  website. Until now, the only information at this website has been your monthly 911 wireless fees. However, the Council has created a much broader site to keep the flow of information as timely and fluid as possible. This website will be updated frequently as information becomes available and all meeting minutes will be posted for your review. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this site and let us know if there are ways that it can be improved to provide you with better information and services.

• Annual Reporting Requirement. The new 911 law requires an annual report to be filed by all PSAPs regarding their previous year’s 911 revenues and expenses. This report will be due to the Council before March 1, 2012. In early 2012, you will be sent directions for filling out the form and submitting it electronically. The Operations Sub-Committee, headed by Michele Abbott from Hutchinson (michele.abbott@renolec.com), is refining the form and will put a sample online in the next few weeks so that you will know in advance the type of data that you will need to provide.

2011 and 2012 will be busy and progressive years for the State of Kansas and 911. The 911 Coordinating Council looks forward to the upcoming challenges and changes that we as a state will face together. We stand firmly supportive towards the goal of providing a high quality of service for the State of Kansas and its citizens.