The 6.75 percent rate already is paid in 15 other Ohio counties, while 44 others — including Montgomery County at 7 percent — have higher rates and 28 counties a lower rate.
The three commissioners voted to increase the tax for five years, beginning Oct. 1 and continuing through Sept. 30, 2014.
Money generated will be used to pay for $6.6 million in upgrades at the countywide 911 center, and for the center’s operations.
Thursday’s vote followed the second public hearing on the tax proposal.
Several supporters from county townships, cities and emergency service departments spoke in favor, saying the tax is the fairest way to pay for the center.
The system upgrade is “highly necessary,” said Jon Crusey, city manager in Tipp City.
Jerry Hirt, a Bethel Twp. trustee speaking as a resident of the township, said the new system of radios and towers will allow for better communications between the 911 communications center in Troy and outlying areas of the county, including parts of Bethel Twp.
“It will improve the safety for our residents, and all residents of the county,” Hirt said.
One person asked commissioners at Thursday’s hearing to hold the line on taxes.
“We don’t need any more tax increases, guys,” said Walt Reaster of rural West Milton. “I think you really need to take a good, hard look at ways to finance this.”
Commissioner Ron Widener said the 911 center has saved local jurisdictions hundreds of thousands of dollars that otherwise would have been needed for dispatch operations since the center opened nearly 20 years ago. Equipment, including the radio system, needs to be updated for continued efficient, safe operations, he said.
“It comes down to the safety of firefighters, of individuals in Miami County. This isn’t a big price to pay,” Widener said.
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