LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Talks are underway to merge the Crete and Beatrice 911 centers to save money and improve emergency response.

The discussions have been going on for two months.

According to Crete City Administrator Tom Ourada, officials began thinking of the possibility of merging with another 911 center when faced with increasing labor and equipment costs, as well as declining federal telephone excise tax revenue on local phone service.

Ourada talked to the Crete City Council Tuesday about the budget challenges, 911 center costs and what would happen to 911 emergency services in the future.

Crete officials reached out to Lincoln last year and were told that consolidating with Beatrice’s center might be an option.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office has been invited to join the discussion.