SEARCY, Ark. (AP) — White County officials say the county has seen a major drop in revenue from fees assessed on landline telephones.
The county receives a percentage from a 12.5 cent fee that's assessed on landlines in the area. That money helps pay for the county's 911 service. The county 911 director says the amount the department receives has been dropping each year since 2008.
The Daily Citizen reports that the county received more than $280,000 from landline fees in 2008. In 2012, officials are projecting to receive about $230,000.
Increased cell phone use is blamed for the drop in revenue. It's a trend seen nationwide.
Officials say the White County 911 department has been using funds from the county's general budget to cover any shortfalls.
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