Fund distribution to PSAPs

1. Monthly Distribution - The 911 Board must make monthly distributions to primary PSAPs from the amount allocated to the 911 Fund for PSAPs. The amount to be distributed to each primary PSAP is the sum of the following:
1. The PSAP's base amount. - The PSAP's base amount is the amount the PSAP received in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, and deposited in the Emergency Telephone System Fund of its local governing entity, as reported to the State Treasurer's Office, Local Government Division.
2. The PSAP's per capita amount. - The PSAP's per capita amount is the PSAP's per capita share of the amount designated by the Board under subsection (b) of this section for the per capita distribution. The 911 Board must use the most recent population estimates certified by the State Budget Officer in making the per capita distribution under this subdivision. A PSAP is not eligible for a distribution under this subdivision unless it provides enhanced 911 service.
2. Percentage Designations - The 911 Board must determine how revenue that is allocated to the 911 Fund for distribution to primary PSAPs and is not needed to make the base amount distribution required by subdivision (a)(1) of this section is to be used. The 911 Board must designate a percentage of the remaining funds to be distributed to primary PSAPs on a per capita basis and a percentage to be allocated to the PSAP Grant Account established in G.S. 62A-47. If the 911 Board does not designate an amount to be allocated to the PSAP Grant Account, the 911 Board must distribute all of the remaining funds on a per capita basis. The 911 Board may not change the percentage designation more than once each calendar year.
3. Use of Funds. - A PSAP that receives a distribution from the 911 Fund may not use the amount received to pay for the lease or purchase of real estate, cosmetic remodeling of emergency dispatch centers, hiring or compensating telecommunicators, or the purchase of mobile communications vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, or other emergency vehicles. Distributions received by a PSAP may be used only to pay for the following:
1. The lease, purchase, or maintenance of emergency telephone equipment, including necessary computer hardware, software, and database provisioning, addressing, and nonrecurring costs of establishing a 911 system.
2. Expenditures for in-State training of 911 personnel regarding the maintenance and operation of the 911 system. Allowable training expenses include the cost of transportation, lodging, instructors, certifications, improvement programs, quality assurance training, and training associated with call taking, and emergency medical, fire, or law enforcement procedures. Training outside the State is not an eligible expenditure unless the training is unavailable in the State or the PSAP documents that the training costs are less if received out-of-state. Training specific to the receipt of 911 calls is allowed only for intake and related call taking quality assurance and improvement. Instructor certification costs and course required prerequisites, including physicals, psychological exams, and drug testing, are not allowable expenditures.
3. Charges associated with the service supplier's 911 service and other service supplier recurring charges. The PSAP providing 911 service is responsible to the voice communications service provider for all 911 installation, service, equipment, operation, and maintenance charges owed to the voice communications service provider. A PSAP may contract with a voice communications service provider on terms agreed to by the PSAP and the provider.
   Page 8 Session Law 2007-383 SL2007-0383
4. Local Fund - The fiscal officer of a PSAP to whom a distribution is made under this section must deposit the funds in a special revenue fund, as defined in G.S. 159-26(b)(2), designated as the Emergency Telephone System Fund. The fiscal officer may invest money in the Fund in the same manner that other money of the local government may be invested. Income earned from the invested money in the Emergency Telephone System Fund must be credited to the Fund. Revenue deposited into the Fund must be used only as permitted in this section.
5. Compliance - A PSAP, or the governing entity of a PSAP, must comply with all of the following in order to receive a distribution under this section:
1. A county or municipality that has one or more PSAPs must submit in writing to the 911 Board information that identifies the PSAPs in the manner required by the FCC Order.
2. A participating PSAP must annually submit to the 911 Board a copy of its governing agency's proposed or approved budget detailing the revenues and expenditures associated with the operation of the PSAP. The PSAP budget must identify revenues and expenditures for eligible expense reimbursements as provided in this Article and rules adopted by the 911 Board.
3. A PSAP must be included in its governing entity's annual audit required under the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. The Local Government Commission must provide a copy of each audit of a local government entity with a participating PSAP to the 911 Board.
4. A PSAP must comply with all requests by the 911 Board for financial information related to the operation of the PSAP.

PSAP Grant Account

1. Account Established. - A PSAP Grant Account is established within the 911 Fund for the purpose of making grants to PSAPs in rural and other high-cost areas. The Account consists of revenue allocated by the 911 Board under G.S. 62A-45(c) and G.S. 62A-46.
2. Application. - A PSAP may apply to the 911 Board for a grant from the PSAP Grant Account. An application must be submitted in the manner prescribed by the 911 Board. The 911 Board may approve a grant application and enter into a grant agreement with a PSAP if it determines all of the following:
1. The costs estimated in the application are reasonable and have been or will be incurred for the purpose of promoting a cost-effective and efficient 911 system.
2. The expenses to be incurred by the applicant are consistent with the 911 State Plan.
3. There are sufficient funds available in the fiscal year in which the grant funds will be distributed.
4. The costs are authorized PSAP costs under G.S. 62A-46(c).
3. Agreement. - A grant agreement between the 911 Board and a PSAP must include the purpose of the grant, the time frame for implementing the project or program funded by the grant, the amount of the grant, and a provision for repaying grant funds if the PSAP fails to comply with any of the terms of the grant. The amount of the grant may vary among grantees. If the grant is intended to promote the deployment of enhanced 911 service in a rural area of the State, the grant agreement must specify how the funds will assist with this goal. The 911 Board must publish one or more notices each fiscal year advertising the availability of grants from the PSAP Grant Account and detailing the application process, including the deadline for submitting applications, any required documents specifying costs, either incurred or anticipated, and evidence demonstrating the need for the grant. Any grant funds awarded to PSAPs under this section are in addition to any funds reimbursed under G.S. 62A-46.