The Public Service Commission on Dec. 18 approved an increase in the surcharge paid by subscribers to fund the Maryland Department of Disabilities' Universal Service Trust Fund from 5' to 9' per month, effective July 1, 2025.

Holden Manka of commission staff told commissioners the department estimates FY2025 revenue of $2,750,000 against costs of about $6,146,000, which would reduce the USTF balance to roughly $3.6 million and leave it able to cover about one more year of costs. "Therefore, staff recommends the commission increase the universal service fee to 9' per month effective on 07/01/2025," Manka said.

The programs financed by the fund include the dual-party relay program, purchase of specialized customer telecommunications equipment, distribution of newspapers in an accessible audio format and a senior call-check service and notification program. Manka cited section 7-806(d)(1) of the Human Services Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland as the statutory authority requiring the secretary to certify program costs and the commission to set the surcharge.

Commissioners asked whether department staff were present; none appeared. After brief discussion the panel voted unanimously to adopt staff's recommendation. The increase is intended to equalize estimated revenues and costs and preserve program funding into FY2026; staff told the commission that, if the surcharge remained at 5', MDOD would not be able to fund the programs beginning in FY2027.

The order and docket will include staff's revenue and cost estimates and the effective date for the new surcharge.