It’s easy to see the politics behind state Senate Republicans’ decision to remove an increased E911 surcharge approved by Democrats in the state House of Representatives earlier this year.

Republicans in the House of Representatives, including Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, largely voted against the measure back in June. Senate Republicans recently removed language to increase the surcharge from $1.65 to $1.97, replacing it with language calling for a legislative study to look at several questions including 911 system efficiency, “options for the consolidation of county 911 systems” as well as “options to allow 911 system employees to work from home” and the possibilities for 911 service incorporating AI.

The Republicans have a problem, though. Their legislative gambit is hurting Republicans in their home district – and that includes Warren County. It’s noteworthy that Tricia Durbin, the lone current Republican on the county Board of Commissioners, agreed with Democrat Jeff Eggleston and Republican Ben Kafferlin and to advocate for an increase in the state’s E911 surcharge. State-level politics pale in comparison to the county commissioners’ desire to keep rising 911 center costs off the backs of local taxpayers. That won’t be possible unless the state surcharge increases.

As it is, the state’s surcharge proceeds used to pay for nearly all the county’s costs for 911 services. Now, county taxpayers are paying about $400,000 – and that cost will continue going up unless the state increases the surcharge.

Nothing says Republicans and Democrats aren’t both right on this matter. Democrats see the need to increase the surcharge to keep costs of the backs of local taxpayers.

Republicans see the need to make sure 911 services are provided as efficiently as possible.

It’s time for compromise in Harrisburg. Republicans and Democrats need to meet in the middle and finish this debate before the end of the year.