E911 investigating cell phone emergency coverage

     Nearly everyone has a cell phone these days. For some people, their cell phone is their only way to contact people, or contact 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Landline phones are becoming a thing of the past.

     That’s why Gary Schwab, Jones County’s E911 coordinator, is looking into a program that will benefit those with cell phones in emergency situations, as well as the Jones County Dispatch Center.

     “I’m looking into programs to enhance 911 cell phone capabilities,” explained Schwab.

     Through a program and application called RapidSOS, Schwab said Dispatch would have the ability to get someone’s cell phone information and pinpoint their exact location when making a 911 call. Now, technology only allows Dispatch to find the nearest cell tower.

     “It’s about 79 percent accurate,” Schwab said of the current technology.

     While he is still investigating the program, working with Dispatch and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Schwab said it wouldn’t cost the county a dime.

     “By November I hope to have more information and look to add this program in Jones County,” offered Schwab. “It’s very preliminary right now.”

     He said Cedar County in Iowa has been using RapidSOS in a demonstration-type situation. The state of Tennessee has also used it with much success.

     Another program/app Schwab found, Smart911, is quite similar to RapidSOS, but costs the user roughly $3,000 a year. Schwab said another downside is that it also requires residents to sign up and subscribe to the app. Users would then provide specific information on their subscription for Dispatch. Right now, Schwab said Dubuque County is using Smart911, but has found that only 5 percent of the county’s population has signed up.

     “It doesn’t appear to be cost-effective at this point,” he said.

     Supervisor Joe Oswald said Smart911 doesn’t seem to be helpful for those traveling through Dubuque County because you have to have an account. RapidSOS would pick up any person’s specific cell phone location while calling 911.

     “Sometimes the person making a 911 call has no clue where they’re at,” said Oswald.

     Schwab said another downside to Smart911 is that some people are protective of their personal information.

     The board thanked Schwab for researching programs like this that could help the public.

In other county business:

     • The board approved abating property taxes on property acquired by the City of Monticello at 224 N. Chestnut St., in the amount of $1,362.

     • The board approved abating property taxes on property acquired by Jones County at 7071 County Road X-75 in Wyoming, in the amount of $74.

     • The board awarded the bid for a concrete approach for the Sheriff’s storage garage to Rogers Concrete for $3,301.25, the lowest bid. Two bids were received. The project estimate was $5,000.

     • The board approved a fiscal sponsorship agreement for a Theisen’s grant application for the Cedar/Jones Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. This is at no cost to the county.

     • The board approved filing a tax lien for delinquent water and/or sewer utility bills against property located at 10657 Main St. in Center Junction.

     • The board approved a recommendation from the E911 Board to designate an unnamed private road extending east from Business Highway 151 in Monticello as Bradley Street. The property is owned by Roger Stephen. This is a private road and Secondary Roads will not be responsible for maintenance.