Colorado committee discusses funding challenges and technology upgrades for 911 services

The Colorado 911 Task Force convened on July 11, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the state's emergency response system, focusing on funding, technology upgrades, and legislative concerns. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to modernize the 911 infrastructure, particularly through the NextGen 911 initiative, which aims to enhance call delivery and data management.

Key discussions centered on the necessity of updating dispatch console equipment to accommodate NextGen 911 data. Participants noted that many Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) would require significant financial investment to upgrade their systems, particularly as Motorola mandates updates to radio consoles. Cybersecurity was also emphasized as a pressing concern, with the transition to an IP-based system increasing vulnerabilities. Task Force members stressed the importance of educating PSAPs on cybersecurity best practices, which also incur costs.

The meeting further explored various funding sources for 911 services, including local emergency telephone charges and statewide surcharges. The local emergency telephone charge varies across Colorado, ranging from 70 cents to $4, depending on the jurisdiction. The statewide 911 surcharge, currently set at 12 cents for 2025, could increase to 50 cents if necessary. Additionally, the prepaid wireless surcharge, which generated $17 million in revenue last year, faces potential changes due to a recent Department of Revenue ruling affecting how charges are applied.

Task Force members expressed concerns about the sustainability of funding, particularly in light of legislative scrutiny regarding local surcharges. They emphasized the need for clear communication with legislators to illustrate the necessity of these charges and the financial pressures faced by PSAPs. The discussion included suggestions for visual aids, such as pie charts, to effectively convey the breakdown of funding sources and the impact of local decisions on 911 service costs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further educate PSAP leaders on these issues, ensuring they are well-prepared to engage with legislators. The Task Force recognized the importance of presenting a unified message regarding the funding and operational needs of 911 services, particularly as they anticipate a challenging legislative session ahead.