The financial integrity of the agency is imperative to South Sound 911’s success in carrying out its mandate to the citizens and the agencies we serve.
The Budget & Finance department’s responsibilities include financial statement preparation and reporting, financial analysis and projection, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grant accounting, payroll and benefits, and purchasing, as well as the processing of personnel actions, such as new hires, reclassifications, merit increases and employment verification. South Sound 911’s finances are reviewed on a continuous basis, and frequent analysis is done to provide feedback on both revenue and expenditures.
Emergency Communications Sales Tax
In November 2011, the citizens of Pierce County approved Proposition 1, which increased retail sales and use tax by 0.1% for emergency communications. The tax sunsets in December 2036 and was established to upgrade countywide radio systems and construct a regional communications facility for 911. Since the tax was implemented, it has supported other regional capital projects to improve public safety communications and offset operational costs funded by the police and fire departments throughout Pierce County. See South Sound 911’s Tax Accountability Detail report for more information.
Auditing
Requirements for governmental accountability include periodic financial audits, compliance audits, and single audits triggered by federal grants. South Sound 911 undergoes regular audits conducted by the Washington State Auditor’s Office.