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Fremont County adopts 75¢ per-line 9-1-1 surcharge to bolster emergency fund
Summary
The Fremont County commissioners voted to adopt a 75¢ per-access-line surcharge for 9-1-1 service after a public hearing and budget projections showing the fee will support operations and capital needs for the county’s dispatch center.
Fremont County commissioners voted to adopt a 75¢ per-access-line surcharge to support the county’s 9‑1‑1 operations, after a public hearing and staff presentation of projected revenues and capital needs.
County staff presented revenue estimates and explained how the surcharge would be used in the 9‑1‑1 enterprise fund. Carl Freeman, speaking for the 9‑1‑1 office, outlined a projected budget and said the proposed surcharge would increase revenue available for operations and depreciation that funds equipment replacement.
The fee is the maximum currently allowed under state law. Commissioners asked staff about the share of the budget that goes to capital improvements and whether the fund uses a cash reserve to smooth replacements. Staff answered that equipment depreciation and replacement is tracked within the 9‑1‑1 enterprise fund and that carryover cash is used to purchase and later depreciate capital items.
Commissioners and staff also discussed how the statutory surcharge level has been raised in recent years and whether the state might revise the cap again to support next‑generation 9‑1‑1 systems. Commissioners noted legislation is being discussed at the state level about higher fees for NG9‑1‑1 and related costs.
After discussion, a commissioner moved and a second was given to adopt the 75¢ per‑access‑line surcharge. The motion passed by voice vote.
County staff will implement the surcharge and incorporate the additional revenue into the 9‑1‑1 budget and capital planning.
