VIENNA — Maries County’s fire, ambulance and 911 dispatch services are speaking with one voice in support of the proposed upcoming one percent 911 sales tax on the November ballot, citing its essential role in maintaining local emergency response.

In a recent town hall meeting hosted on Oct. 17, in the Maries County Courthouse, Sarah Newell, Director of the State 911 Emergency Services Board, said Maries County is joining a broader statewide effort for counties to provide needed oversight and control.

Traditional landline funding for 911 has dwindled, leaving counties to find new ways to keep emergency services up to date. Drawing on her experience in Polk County, where a similar tax passed 14 years ago, she called it “a game changer,” consolidating multiple dispatch systems into a single operation that serves fire, ambulance and police while ensuring each could operate efficiently and independently.

“Counties all over Missouri are moving to this model,” Newell said. “Without dedicated funding, it’s hard to maintain the technology, staffing and systems that keep people safe.”

Newell said modern 911 dispatch relies on costly equipment, from servers and computer-aided dispatch systems to call processing tools, all of which require regular updates. Features like RapidSOS location tracking and texting to 911 are critical, especially in rural areas where cell coverage can be inconsistent and calls drop all the time.

The proposed tax would create an independent 911 Board to manage its own budget and policies without other agencies or county officials having a say. Newell said the board’s structure is designed to represent the county evenly while maintaining continuity through staggered elections.

“The board decides how and where to allocate funds, including support for dispatch facilities and staffing,” she said. “It operates independently of the sheriff’s department and county commission.”

Local emergency services know the stakes personally. Vienna Fire Chief Mike Smith described the challenges of understaffed dispatchers, who also serve as jailers.

“It’s a safety issue when a dispatcher has to leave the radio unattended,” Smith said. “With volunteer numbers declining in neighboring departments, mutual aid calls have become increasingly common.”

The Maries–Osage Ambulance District faces similar pressures. Director Carla Butler recalled situations where multiple calls come in simultaneously with limited staff.

“Even thirty seconds in a cardiac arrest is a long time,” she said. “Every second counts,”

Vichy Fire staff member Bonnie Prigge told The Advocate, “I believe it’s (the proposed 911 sales tax) needed and I do recognize the increased fees this would bring,” Prigge said. “But I have seen the county’s financial struggles and personally I do support it.”

At the heart of it all is the 911 dispatch center, where Director Nicole Bexten manages calls across multiple jurisdictions. She described a constant flurry of activity, juggling emergency calls while tracking units in the field.

“I’ve accumulated over 200 hours of comp time because we’re understaffed,” she said. “The proposed tax would allow for crucial system upgrades, including a new router to streamline call transfers and reduce delays.”

Newell also stressed the importance of public education. Many residents do not fully understand the role of 911 dispatch or what the tax funds are. She encourages first responders and community members to get involved in outreach, ensuring the message about the measure is clear and consistent.

Supporters say the funding is critical for operational efficiency and public safety.

“We’ve waited a long time for this,” Smith said. “This is something that’s needed to benefit fire, ambulance and police throughout the county.”

Bexten agreed, echoing other emergency department leaders in the area,

“The equipment, upgrades and staffing the tax would support are essential to prevent delays in emergency response,” Bexten said.

For emergency services in Maries County who spoke with The Advocate, the goal is simple, make sure every call for help is answered quickly, accurately and locally, while building a sustainable, independent dispatch system capable of growing with the county for years to come.

On the official special election ballot on Nov 4., the county proposition reads as follows:

“Shall the county of Maries impose a county sales tax of one (1) percent for the purpose of providing central dispatching of fire protection, emergency ambulance service, including emergency telephone services, and other emergency services? If approved, this sales tax will replace the 15 percent landline tax currently being charged on phone services.”

The proposed 1 percent sales tax will be decided by a simple majority vote.