$13M at Stake as Colorado Springs Weighs Exit From Regional 911 Authority

At the center of the dispute is about $13.1 million in annual 911 surcharge revenue generated by Colorado Springs residents. City officials argue Colorado Springs contributes far more to the El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority than it receives, while Teller County leaders warn that removing the region's largest funding source could weaken emergency communications across county lines.

The El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority supports emergency communications infrastructure across the region, including technology, mapping and other services used by participating public safety agencies. The organization serves communities throughout El Paso and Teller counties as well as fire districts and military installations.

Millions in 911 Fees at the Center of the Dispute

The authority is funded in part through a $2.17 monthly surcharge on phone lines across El Paso and Teller counties. Because of Colorado Springs' population, city residents generate roughly two-thirds of the authority's funding — about $13 million annually, according to city estimates.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade has argued that the current funding arrangement disproportionately benefits communities outside the city.

"Colorado Springs handles about 75% of the regional 911 call volume, yet we receive only 45% of the 911 funding," Mobolade said in a statement reported by The Gazette. "Our first responsibility is to the people of Colorado Springs, and we are done subsidizing the Authority through this agreement."

City officials estimate Colorado Springs contributes about $3.8 million to $3.9 million more annually in 911 surcharge revenue than it receives through the regional funding structure.

Under a separate municipal 911 authority, city officials say that revenue could remain in Colorado Springs rather than being distributed through the regional system.

City officials have also called for changes to the regional authority if Colorado Springs is to remain, including restructuring its governing agreement, changing board representation to better reflect population and 911 call volume and creating what officials describe as a more equitable method of distributing funds.

Teller County Warns of Public Safety Consequences

For Teller County officials, however, the dispute extends beyond how the money is divided.

The Teller County Board of County Commissioners has warned that reduced funding could fragment emergency response, delay communications and create service gaps during emergencies that cross jurisdictional boundaries, particularly wildfires and severe weather.

"Ending this partnership would not only jeopardize public safety at a critical time for our state ... but could permanently threaten all relationships and regional efforts," commissioners said in an official statement.

The warning comes as Teller County and surrounding mountain communities contend with wildfire risk and heavy outdoor recreation traffic, conditions that can require multiple agencies and jurisdictions to coordinate during evacuations and other emergencies. Teller County officials argue that wildfires and floods, in particular, demonstrate the need for a unified regional emergency communications system.

Colorado Springs officials, meanwhile, maintain that city residents would not experience a disruption in 911 service if the city ultimately leaves the authority.

The disagreement has also raised a broader financial question for the remaining communities: how the regional authority would replace the revenue generated by Colorado Springs if the city withdraws.

The full financial impact on Teller County and other participating agencies has not yet been determined publicly. Earlier reporting indicated that the authority had not verified the city's estimated allocations or determined how losing the revenue would affect remaining members.

Decision Heads to Colorado Springs City Council

Colorado Springs' proposed withdrawal is not final.

Colorado Springs City Council said in July that members had not received sufficient information about the proposal before Mobolade's June announcement and wanted additional review and negotiations with the existing authority.

The council also said it has the authority to establish a new Colorado Springs 911 authority and impose a city 911 fee.

The issue is scheduled to return to the Colorado Springs City Council during an Aug. 10 work session, where presentations are expected from the Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department and El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority.

For Teller County leaders, the upcoming discussion could determine more than how 911 surcharge dollars are divided. Commissioners say the outcome could affect a regional emergency communications partnership they view as critical when wildfires, floods and other emergencies do not stop at city or county lines.