Report: California 911 emergency services low on funding

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- California's 911 system is getting low on funding, according to a report. The 911 fund covers the majority of cost for 911 services and equipment for most California communities, so it's clear how important this funding is.

The fund is hovering around $11 million which is down from $77 million just three years ago, this according to the LA Times.

The state is in the process of upgrading to a new system known as, Next Generation 911, to better work with wireless callers.

One assemblyman testified that maintaining the two systems could cost more than $900 million. The state pays for 911 services through a tax on phone bills. The telecommunications industry is pushing for that to change, asking lawmakers to take money from the general tax fund and from grants.

When the new 911 system does go into effect, wireless users will be able to send texts, video and other electronic data. At this point it's unclear where the necessary funding will come from.