Giving Governor Bruce Rauner the power to sweep previously appropriated funds from many agencies could do great harm to Illinois' 911 system.
That's what Jana Fear told a Revenue and Finance Committee hearing Thursday in Springfield. Fear is coordinator of 911 systems in both Union and Alexander Counties.
She says if the bill allowing the fund sweeps includes 911 system funds, some 911 systems could be forced to close.
"Most 911 system budgets are set locally at a bare minimum and a loss of revenue would result in a reduction in the level of service to the citizens and the emergency responders."
Fear says a fund sweep could delay or halt a plan in the works to create a joint Emergency Telephone System Board in Union and Alexander counties.
"Alexander is the poorest county in Illinois. It would be a great disservice to citizens of both counties if passage of House Bill 4521 slowed or halted this process."
She says 911 system funds are also critical for maintenance and upgrades.
Last year, Union County became the second county in the state to go live with next generation 911, which offers residents a faster, more reliable service because the data travels through a dedicated, fiber-based IP network, instead of traditional copper lines.
