Washington County raises monthly 9-1-1 fee to $1.75 after public hearing

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to raise the county 9‑1‑1 surcharge from $1.25 to $1.75 per month per bill following a public hearing and staff presentation.

Kelsey Mace, the county’s chief financial officer, told commissioners the change is allowed under Maryland law and is intended to help close a persistent funding gap. "Per Maryland Code, Public Safety Article subsection 1‑311(c)(1), a county may impose a 9‑1‑1 fee of up to 75¢ to be added to all current bills rendered for switched local exchange, access service, or CMRS, or other 911 accessible service in the county," Mace said, explaining the legal basis and the proposed increase.

Mace said the county’s 9‑1‑1 program has run a multi‑million dollar shortfall in recent years: in fiscal 2024 revenues were about $1.6 million against $5.6 million in costs (a $4.0 million shortfall), and fiscal 2025 figures show budgeted revenues of $2.3 million against $7.1 million in costs. She said the proposed increase would raise roughly $900,000 in additional revenue for fiscal 2026, bringing projected 9‑1‑1 revenues to about $3.2 million against proposed costs of $7.1 million.

During public comment a resident criticized the board, saying, "You already get enough of my taxes," but no other members of the public provided substantive testimony on the fee change. Commissioners noted they must notify the state carriers by an April 15 deadline so the fee can be implemented.

Commissioner Klein moved to adopt the fee as submitted; the motion was seconded and carried 4‑0 with the board recorded as voting in favor.

The increase takes effect for the fiscal year 2026 budget and will appear on customer bills consistent with state implementation timelines.