Voters will decide whether to improve funding for Atlanta’s 911 call center
The Atlanta 911 call center has seen everything from power outages to technical issues over the past few months. Now, voters will go to the polls next week to decide whether to give the center $15 million for improvements.
ATLANTE – The decision to invest more money in Atlanta’s 911 call center will be left to voters when they go to the polls next Tuesday.
Today, Mayor Andre Dickens will tour the center – which is set to receive a $15 million investment through a bond referendum that is on the ballot.
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From personnel issues to technical and installation issues, Atlanta’s 911 system has been struggling since the start of the year.
In March, 911 operators were forced to evacuate the city’s emergency operations center after an HVAC outage.
Temperatures inside soared to nearly 100 degrees, forcing employees to work remotely at the Fulton County Center, away from dispatchers.
At least three power outages since November have forced workers to rely on generators to answer calls and send help.
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Atlanta 911 operators continue to face adverse working conditions
The Atlanta 911 call center was evacuated this week and required assistance from Fulton County. A former Atlanta city official said the call center was operating below ideal levels.
These problems call into question the reliability of the system, but the operation will now receive a significant investment.
On the ballot, Atlanta residents will vote on a bond issue related to the 911 call center.
If voters support the third question, the general bond public improvement bond referendum, the bond would fund emergency service projects, including millions for the center.
In total, the referendum would yield up to $213 million for repairs, improvements to parks and recreation facilities, new buildings and equipment for police, fire and rescue and EMS services, as well as public improvements.
