reminds me of the old poll tax. ”

reminds me of the old poll tax. ”

Mr. Massie said that if the supervisors were considering whether to raise the money out of general tax revenues to pay for E-9-1-1, “we would say it’s something we can’t afford now. Even if it’s not on the county tax bill, it’s a tax. It’s a wonderful thing, but I don’t think we can afford it.”

Mr. Gilkey replied, “I don’t look at it as a tax. It’s a surcharge. It’s money you can see where it’s going. We have tried as a board to accumulate the money we need to operate the county. It has been a hardship to some people, but not at $24.”

“Other taxes are not going to go down,” Mr. Massie said. “Eventually if you pile enough bricks on the camel’s back, it breaks down. We’re close to this.”

Jackson District representative Ellis Bingham said, “I cannot conceive of somebody not wanting this if it could save their life. It’s one of the best insurance policies they could have. It’s a very minimal fee and a painless way to pay for the system.

“I have not had any negative calls from Jackson District,” Col Bingham continued. “Children can punch 9-1-1. They don’t know how to tell anyone how to get to their house.”

“We don’t need to go out and look for new ways to spend money,” Mr. Massie said. “The taxpayers are already putting out $100,000 for the fire and rescue squads.”

Frank Stringfellow asked if he could comment even though the public hearing was over. Mr. Gilkey said he could. “I’ve been in the fire company for 45 years,” Mr. Stringfellow said. “A lot of times we get calls and we don’t know where they’re coming from. Mr. Massie is home in bed at 2 o’clock in the morning. He’s not out looking for these places. I am. If he can’t afford his phone bill, I’ll pay it.”