HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to raise the county’s 911 fee from $1.25 to $1.75 per month per phone bill, aiming to bolster funding for its Emergency Communications Center
amid a persistent budget deficit.
The decision, presented by the county’s Chief Financial Officer Kelcee Mace, comes as part of the fiscal 2026 budget planning, with a deadline of April 15 to notify the state and allow carriers time to implement the change.
“We’re still going to be about $4 million in the hole from where it’s supposed to be balanced,” County Administrator Michelle Gordon said during the meeting.
Funding for upgrades often relies on fees collected from residents and businesses via phone bills, a common practice nationwide. Fees are typically set by state law but can be adjusted or supplemented at the county level with approval.
Gordon noted that the 911 system was originally designed to be self-sustaining through user fees, which was undermined by decades without any increases.
Expected to generate $900,000 annually, the fee adjustment addresses a funding gap that has plagued the county’s 911 system despite a prior increase in July 2024.
“Last year was the first time we increased the fee in approximately 20 years, and that’s why there’s such a deficit,” Gordon said.
Even with the new rate, officials project a $4 million shortfall for 2026, with anticipated 911 revenues of $3.2 million falling short of the $7.1 million in operational costs.
In her presentation, Mace cited 2025 figures where budgeted 911 revenue of $2.3 million lagged far behind the costs. Last year, revenue totaled $1.6 million against $5.6 million in expenses, leaving a similar $4 million gap.
The proposed hike, she explained, is authorized under the Maryland Code Public Safety code, which permits counties to impose a 911 fee above the standard 75-cent cap to cover projected costs.
The county’s push to modernize its 911 infrastructure, including the transition to Next Generation 911 systems, has driven up expenses. The new system features enhancements such as text-to-911, video capabilities and improved location accuracy all require significant investments in equipment, staffing and training.
The upgrades align with broader public safety priorities, as evidenced by recent Commission approvals for new radio systems and other emergency service investments. While the additional revenue narrows the deficit, officials warned it won’t fully close the gap, prompting questions about future funding strategies.
The urgency of the April 15 deadline spurred a swift, unanimous adoption of the proposal as presented. Residents can expect the new rate to appear on phone bills once carriers implement the change in the coming months.
