HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. -- An Arkansas city has lost government and emergency phone service. Some say it's because the phone bill wasn't paid. Police, fire and government phone lines are down in Helena-West Helena Monday night. West Helena, AR residents frustrated after latest water issue The Phillips County Sheriff's Office has been authorized by a judge to take over all emergency communications. Bobby Jones, a former director for the city, said you can't contact police or fire without calling 911. "You seen I called in front of you," Jones said to a WREG reporter. "I contact the fire department no service. And I think from my understanding the bill is about $50,000 or $60,000." The Barton Fire Department has been called in for mutual aid for Helena fire calls at this time. City officials did not provide details about the phone outage.