Matteson hires firm for 911 campaign

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Updated: February 13, 2012 9:14AM

Matteson soon will hire the Chicago-based marketing firm of Trungale Egan & Associates to conduct a public information campaign regarding the proposed 911 surcharge increase that is up for a referendum vote on the March ballot.

During a village board workshop on Monday, Mayor Andre Ashmore said the board was ready to authorize village manager Brian Mitchell to enter into a $10,000 contract with the firm to organize the campaign. Formal approval is expected at Tuesday’s meeting.

The village is asking residents to raise the monthly 911 telephone bill surcharge from $85 cents to $2.75 per landline. Matteson is part of SouthCom Dispatch, which also services 911 calls for Olympia Fields, Richton Park and Park Forest.

“We want people to know what they are voting for — to educate them,” Mitchell said after the meeting. “It’s always important to communicate with voters so they can make the best decision for themselves.”

The $10,000 contract does not include the cost of brochures, flyers, posters and videos. Those costs will be discussed during a special workshop. Mitchell urged the board to schedule the workshop before the end of January.

“We need to capture the early voters, and early voting begins Feb. 27,” he said.

Mitchell said one of the features of the campaign will include an informational video continually playing at village hall for residents as they come in to pay their water bills or conduct other village business.

Richton Park, Park Forest, and Olympia Fields also have 911 surcharge referendum questions on the March ballot, Mitchell said.