Richmond will absorb 2025 Madison County 911 fee while staff studies long-term funding

The Richmond City Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to absorb the City of Richmond’s portion of a one-time 2025 Madison County 9-1-1 fee, obligating up to $2,388,000 and directing staff to develop alternative funding models for future years.

The order (25Dash115) instructs the finance director to obligate a one-time payment to the Madison County 9-1-1 department “not to exceed $2,388,000,” and directs the city manager and director of finance to research other funding models for continuing 9-1-1 and emergency services. The order cites KRS 67.083 and KRS 65.760 and references the 2024 post-CSEP task force final recommendation report presented 03/21/2024.

Why it matters: Absorbing the fee avoids an immediate new line on Richmond property tax bills for residents and some local institutions, but places a sizable one-time obligation on the city budget and starts a process to propose alternatives before the next billing cycle.

Commissioners debated the scope and timeline for finding a long-term solution. Several commissioners said the city will cover this year’s fee immediately and convene a working group to present options for next year. The city manager reported a working group already met and includes Sharon Cain, Lisa Casty, the city manager and an Eastern Kentucky University business intern; staff said they will produce options in roughly “90–120 days.” The manager also said the city will fund this one-time payment from the general fund rather than the rainy-day fund.

Concerns raised included the treatment of churches and nonprofit organizations, timeline realism and legal limits on using general taxpayer dollars to cover fees for tax-exempt entities. Commissioner Cole urged careful legal review and recommended considering exemptions for churches and nonprofits going forward; Mayor Blythe and other commissioners said the intent is to exempt churches and nonprofits in future years and that the first-year absorption was legally cleared.

Public comment: James Hyatt, a Richmond resident, spoke during public comment and said he heard concern in the community about fairness of the fee and said churches that call emergency services should contribute; he told the commission he supported the city stepping in this year and urged fair treatment going forward.

Next steps: The board directed staff to return with funding options and recommendations for how to handle churches and nonprofits and other models — including a possible flat-rate approach — for consideration in a future work session.

Vote: Motion to bring the order to the floor and adopt was moved by Commissioner Newby and seconded by Commissioner Brewer. Recorded votes at the meeting were: Commissioner Brewer — yes; Commissioner Cole — yes; Commissioner Goble — yes; Commissioner Newby — yes; Mayor Blythe — yes. Outcome: approved.

Authorities referenced in the meeting: KRS 67.083; KRS 65.760; 2024 post-CSEP task force final recommendation report (03/21/2024).