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A couple of points I have...
1. A lawsuit against the state is a waste of time and money. Just because you don't like a law, doesn't mean you can just sue the state over it. Some would argue the constitutionality of 'unfunded mandates'. If you talk to the legislators, they will tell you that Lake County does in fact have a great funding source, the LOIC (Local Option Income Tax). Not that I am in favor of it, but that is there point- and it's not necessarily a wrong point. Looking at it strictly from a legal matter, not political, the county does have that funding source available. A funding source that every other county in the state has.
2. What do we stand to loose? The close to 3 million dollars in 911 fees that the county currently receives. While 3 million dollars sounds like monopoly money, compared to 30 million dollars, it still is 3 million dollars. If the county looses that- who makes that up? Who pays for 911 in the county? Who pays for the equipment the police and fire - and ultimately, us, the citizens- to come to our aide when we need it. Also, keep in mind, the new 911 funding legislation that set a statewide cap on 911 fees. Lake County was set to receive more than the 3 million from the state, because the fee for Lake County (on mobile phones) increased up to $0.75.
3. Money. I keep seeing this $30 million number be thrown around. I'm understanding that this is for capital- building and equipment. What's the price for operations of this consolidated service? Seems like that number has been missing in a lot of these articles and arguments. No matter how 'cheap' you try to consolidate, I would imagine that there will have to be some capital monies spent. I also imagine that 911 and radio equipment isn't cheap, either.
4. Reduced Services? I can't speak specifically about Crown Point and their Mayors claims that it will 'reduce services to the community'. How is it that every other county, not only in the state, but across the county has consolidated their 911 services? Does the tiny city of Crown Point see something that every other community that has consolidated this service doesn't see? Do I think the dispatchers should be paid more that the police and firefighters that they are sending to these calls, absolutely not. Do I think they should still be paid more that they are now? Absolutely. Do I think that cities and towns, not only limited to Crown Point, want to keep these positions as political favors? It's entirely possible, we still live in Lake County!
The law is the law. Whether we like it or not- whether is fair or not- it's the law. Spending more money to sue the state to argue that a municipality doesn't have enough money for a state law, seems like an oxymoron. I agree that it's unfair the state is penalizing Lake County for not enacting an OPTIONAL income tax by freezing the levies- if anything, sue for that.