Editor,

I have read a lot of pro and con comments regarding the proposed sales tax measure that is currently on the ballot. Based on what I have read, and questions people have asked me directly, I believe there is a lot of misunderstanding about our local 911 system. I offer the following to help voters make an informed decision.

ICOM 911 or Island Communications is what is known in emergency service circles as a PSAP or Public Safety Answering Point, which is a dispatch center that receives your emergency calls (911) and coordinates responses from police, fire or emergency medical services. It’s the initial point of contact for members of the public seeking emergency assistance.

ICOM is an organization set up years ago by the establishment of a memorandum of understanding between Island County, Oak Harbor, our emergency medical system and our fire districts. This consortium is overseen by a board of directors consisting of representatives from each of the participating entities. It is currently funded by a combination of state funding (5%), phone line fees (25%) and user agency fees (65%), as well as a small amount of rental income from radio towers owned by ICOM.

The current sales tax measure is being proposed to maintain, modernize and “future proof” the entire emergency communications system in our county. Advances in technology and inflation effect everything, including this critical part of our infrastructure.

Regardless of the way you chose to vote, I hope this information increases understanding of our local 911 system and the reason for the proposed increase.

Rick Felici

Island County sheriff