Because of the Illinois budget impasse that started last July, 911 centers in Rock Island County are short $70,000 a month. That's 70 percent of their usual income.
"What we've had to do since then is go into the mode of trying to live on 30 percent of our income and dip into our savings," says Steve Seiver, chairman of the Rock Island County ETSB.
Emergency calls are funded through state taxes. The funds are there but can't be funneled back to 911 centers without an approved state budget. And because of a new law passed last summer, even more money could be withheld from 911 centers starting January 1.
"If a budget is not reached by January 1, that means all of the monies, about $100,000 a month, will not flow through to fund 911 in Rock Island County," says Seiver.
The lack of state budget has forced the county to tap into reserves including a $600,000 account earmarked for new equipment.
"The good news is public safety is not yet being jeopardized," says Seiver.
But the centers can only hold on for so long without payouts from the state. The county is paying for bills the state is responsible for. But what happens come 2016 when bills aren't getting paid?
"If it were you or I, our phones would be shut off. What will they do with 911," questions Seiver.
Employees' paychecks in Rock Island County are not being impacted by the budget.
The Illinois state legislatures met on Tuesday, and a bill was discussed saying 911 center funds shouldn't be affected by the budget impasse. But it was laid over for discussion for November 10.