SCOTT, NEW MADRID COUNTIES TO DECIDE ENHANCED-911

BENTON -- Scott County voters will decide Tuesday whether to pay 15 percent of their basic phone bills to have an Enhanced-911 emergency telephone system at their fingertips.

The monthly cost will be $1.13 per residence in this area while it will be $1.37 in Sikeston. Telephone customers with business phones will pay more since their basic phone bills are higher.

The issue also is on the ballot in New Madrid County. Since the city of Sikeston is in both Scott and New Madrid counties, organizers plan to establish a joint operation of the 911 system if the issue passes in both counties.

An Enhanced-911 system will display for dispatchers the telephone number and location of the caller. Emergency help can then be sent to the origin of the call even if the caller is unable to speak.

Sikeston already has a Basic-911 system, which displays only the phone number of the caller. Sikeston officials want to upgrade their system to ensure quicker responses in emergencies.

Scott City, Kelso and Commerce have had an Enhanced-911 system since November 1993. If the issue passes, the telephone surcharge of 15 percent in those communities will be replaced by the same amount for the countywide system.

The Scott County Commission has agreed that Scott City can keep its enhanced system. The agreement calls for the Scott City-based 911 service to receive its appropriate share of funds from the countywide system.

Scott County Clerk Bob Kielhofner, who will take over as the county's presiding commissioner Jan. 1, said 911 is needed.

"Emergencies can arise at any time, especially in this county where agriculture is so important," Kielhofner said. "Nine-one-one needs to cover the entire county so everyone has it. The people that I've heard have said that they want it."

Marcus Ressel, owner of Kelso Sales & Service on Highway 61 at Kelso, feels 911 is a "wonderful thing. I'm going to vote for it."

His son, Steve Ressel, used 911 last year at his home in Cape Girardeau County, when his neighbor fell off a roof.

"I just ran in and dialed 911," Ressel said. "I didn't have to think about what number to dial. It's a good thing -- no doubt about it."

The Ressels agree that having addresses on all homes will be another benefit of the 911 system, particularly for emergency services personnel.

Durward Dover, Scott County presiding commissioner, is another supporter of E-911.

"If someone needs 911, and it saves one life, it will be worth it," he said.

Dover said there are a lot of details to be worked out over the implementation of the system. He said proper planning must go into the system to benefit area residents.

The commissions authorized Miller Management Services Inc. of Columbia to do a study on a 911 system in the counties.