County sales tax for E-911 center begins

The countywide tax, approved by voters last April, will provide an estimated $6 million annually to the center, according to a county news release. Revenue will be available to the center beginning in March and will pay for additional staff members, for whom hiring is under way, and equipment for handling a growing number of 911 calls.

The tax repeals a 10 percent 911 surcharge on traditional landline telephone in place since 1992.

The approximately 40 telephone companies operating in the county have been notified to stop billing for the surcharge on services provided after Dec. 31. Local telephone customers are encouraged to monitor their bills and contact their phone company or the Springfield Citizen Service line at (417) 864-1012 if the surcharge is incorrectly applied.