LAPLACE — The Louisiana Legislature recently passed ACT 665 and R.S. 33:9101 which mandate the St. John Parish Council to establish by ordinance an increase to the current 911 emergency telephone service charges on wireless devices and landlines.

The ordinance will be up for vote by The St. John Parish Council at the Nov. 7 Council Meeting and, when passed, will go into effect five days after publication in the official journal.

Funding received from the increased rates is necessary to support the 911 Communications District due to the lack of revenue caused by the loss of landlines. Phone customers have not received an increase in rates for wireless service in more than 16 years and landlines for more than 20 years.

The increase in funding is also expected to better link public safety dispatchers and first responders with more efficient communication methods in the future. This includes data, videos and voice contact to keep emergency services up to date.

Customers can expect to see the increased rates on phone bills starting in November.

“With the continual advancement of technology and emergency response protocol, it is important to ensure the highest level of support to all those who rely on emergency services,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said.  “We thank the legislators for their support and all residents in their cooperation with these efforts.”