The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners voted July 15 to approve a third‑amended and restated intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that expands the Montrose Emergency Telephone Service Authority (METSA) jurisdiction to include Ouray County and dissolves the Ouray County Emergency Telephone Service Authority (OSETSA). The IGA replaces OSETSA as a party with Ouray County as a METSA member jurisdiction.

What the agreement does: The IGA transfers operational and administrative responsibilities for 911 database maintenance, call routing and related services from OSETSA to METSA. METSA will collect and disburse emergency telephone surcharge revenues and manage 911 service provisioning for the expanded jurisdiction. The agreement as drafted provides one representative seat on the METSA board for Ouray County (replacing OSETSA’s prior representation).

Discussion and concerns: Commissioners and county staff supported consolidation because METSA already provides dispatching and technical support for the county and the move reduces administrative duplication. Several commissioners asked whether fire districts and other local governments in Ouray County would retain explicit, direct seats on the METSA board. METSA and other parties said the IGA was negotiated to provide a single county-level seat in place of OSETSA; the county commissioners can appoint a representative (and alternate) and were encouraged to select someone who can represent county and fire interests. METSA staff and counsel said adding extra board seats in proportion to funding could be contested by other METSA members because METSA members' representation had been negotiated on that basis.

Vote and direction: The board approved the IGA and authorized county signature; the motion carried unanimously. The agreement was approved with the understanding it may be updated if other parties required amendments before signatory approval. Commissioners asked staff to ensure Ouray County representation on the METSA board adequately reflects county emergency-service priorities and to coordinate appointment of a county representative.

Why it matters: The change consolidates 911 governance and funding flows, removes administrative duplication for a small authority and clarifies which body will set technical and surcharge rates for dispatching and related services. Several commissioners emphasized the importance of maintaining local input on METSA decisions affecting Ouray County.