Chester County Moves Toward Suing Telecommunication Companies Over 911 Service Fees

Chester County has taken a step toward suing a group of telecommunications companies, seeking telephone fees officials say the providers failed to collect for 911 services.

According to Philly.com, Chester County is one of several counties in Pennsylvania and across the country claiming the companies owe them fees related to 911 systems.

The report stated that Chester County spent more than $14 million on systems in 2014, and collected approximately $7.2 million in fees from 911 surcharges. In order to pay the nearly $7 million difference, the county had to dip into its general fund.

Officials reportedly filed the papers in court on July 31, to put the county in a better position to sue the telecommunication companies. Next week, Chester County commissioners could sign an agreement to launch a forensic audit into whether the companies owe the county for telephone fees used for 911 service.

Officials in Delaware County filed a lawsuit against 19 Pennsylvania telecommunication companies in June. There, officials claim the companies owe the county $41.4 million in 911 fees.