Dickson County Commission Begins Review of 911 Funding Formula for Municipalities

Charlotte, TN — A discussion that began as a question about fairness in government services could lead to significant changes in how Dickson County municipalities pay for emergency dispatch services.

During the June 1, 2026 Dickson County Commission special called work session, commissioners voted to begin a formal review of the county's 911 funding structure after concerns were raised that some municipalities are paying a larger share of dispatch costs than others.

The issue was brought forward by Commissioner and Mayor of Burns “Rusty” Grove, who argued that the current system places a financial burden on municipalities that operate their own police departments while other incorporated towns receive similar services without contributing at the same level.

"I just think it ought to be across the board fair," Grove told fellow commissioners. "One way or another, either the county's going to pay for all the cities or the cities are going to pay for their own calls."

How the Current System Works

According to County Mayor Bob Rial, Dickson County's 911 system operates with an annual budget of roughly $2 million. The county pays more than half of that amount because it funds the Sheriff's Office, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management Agency, and volunteer fire departments.

The City of Dickson represents the next largest share of the system's usage and costs through its police and fire departments.

However, questions arose regarding municipalities such as Charlotte, Vanleer, and Slayden, which do not operate full-time police departments and instead rely primarily on the Dickson County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services.

Under the current arrangement, those communities do not contribute to 911 dispatch costs in the same way municipalities with police departments do.

Rial explained that the system has largely evolved through longstanding practice rather than a formal county policy.

"It's been done by custom for longer than I've been here," Rial said.

Growing Costs Bring New Scrutiny

The discussion comes at a time when local governments are facing increased 911 expenses.

Officials noted that changes at the state level have reduced one source of 911 revenue, resulting in higher costs being passed on to local governments.

Commissioners discussed how every emergency call creates a cost for the dispatch system, with officials estimating the average cost per call at approximately $33 when annual expenses are divided across total call volume.

While much of the budget consists of fixed costs such as personnel, equipment, and facilities, commissioners said the increasing financial burden has prompted a closer examination of how those costs are distributed.

Debate Over Fairness

Supporters of revisiting the formula argue that taxpayers in cities such as Burns, White Bluff, and Dickson effectively pay twice—once through their municipal governments and again through county taxes—while some municipalities receive county law enforcement services without contributing proportionally to dispatch expenses.

Grove specifically pointed to Charlotte, noting that the town receives county law enforcement coverage while maintaining its own municipal government and tax base.

"If you charge a tax base and you get a sales tax base, you should be responsible just like anybody else," Grove said.

Others urged caution before making any changes.

One commissioner requested additional information about the number of sheriff's calls originating within Charlotte city limits before deciding whether modifications are necessary.

"I'd like to know that before I vote either way on this motion," He said.

No Decision Yet

Commissioners ultimately did not change the funding formula during the meeting.

Instead, they directed county staff, the Sheriff's Office, and 911 officials to compile detailed data on call volumes, costs, and municipal usage before bringing the matter back for further discussion.

Potential Impact

Any changes to the 911 funding formula could have significant consequences for municipalities across Dickson County.

Depending on the approach ultimately adopted, some towns could see increased costs while county taxpayers could see a reduced share of the overall dispatch burden.

The issue is expected to return to the commission later this month, where elected officials will decide whether the current system should remain in place or be revised to create what several commissioners described as a more uniform and equitable approach.