Highwood Voters Approve 911 Surcharge

For the first time since 1991, City of HIghwood voters have approved an increase to the 911 surcharge to improve and maintain the emergency dispatch system.

The referendum received 165 yes votes and 72 no votes, according to the office of the Lake County Clerk. Last November, the question failed by just six votes.

The fee will increase from $1 to $2 per for both residential and commercial phone lines. Cell phones are not included.

City officials said revenue from the surcharge on landline phones has decreased as more people rely on cell phones, though the cost of emergency dispatch services has increased, reported the Chicago Tribune.

Read more in the Chicago Tribune.