911 Service Fee

What is the 911 Fee?

The 911 Service Fee is a crucial component of funding Madison County’s emergency response services. In addition to its fundamental role, this annual fee, which applies to both residential and commercial properties, ensures the effective operation of our 911 emergency dispatch system for police, fire, and emergency medical services. As a result, by supporting these essential services, the fee plays a significant role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our residents.

Furthermore, this fee is instrumental in sustaining the high-quality emergency response that our community relies on. Not only does it provide the necessary resources and infrastructure, but it also ensures that we can respond promptly and efficiently to emergencies. Therefore, the 911 Service Fee is not merely a financial obligation but a vital investment in the safety and resilience of Madison County. Consequently, by contributing to this fee, residents and businesses help to uphold the critical services that safeguard our community’s health and security. In summary, the fee significantly supports our emergency services, reinforcing our commitment to providing reliable and effective response capabilities.

911 Fees by Location

911 service fees are established by each jurisdiction and are informed by local 911 call data and service needs. Responsibility for the fee depends on where a resident lives:

• City of Richmond or City of Berea Residents

  Your funding method will be determined by your city government. Contact your city hall for details:

  • City of Richmond – 859.623.1000 / richmondky.gov
  • City of Berea – 859.986.8543 / bereaky.gov

• Unincorporated Madison County Residents

  Madison County has adopted a 911 Water Meter Fee to support the county’s emergency communications system.

Who Can I Contact with Questions?

Please contact the Madison County 911 Fee Information Line at: 859-624-4700, option 3.

Who Is Responsible for Setting Up the 911 Fee on New Accounts?

All utility providers are responsible for ensuring new accounts are set up with the necessary information for proper 911 fee billing.

I Have a Landline—Will I Be Charged Twice?

No. The effective date of January 1, 2026, ensures no customer is billed twice for 911 services.

How Will the 911 Water Meter Fee Appear on My Bill?

It will be included as a separate line item on your water service bill.

When Does the 911 Water Meter Fee Take Effect?

Ordinance 2025-011 specifies an effective date of January 1, 2026. Even though bills are typically issued near the end of January, the fee is applied retroactively to cover the entire month.

Why Was the 911 Fee Changed from Landlines to Water Meters?

Very few homes still maintain landlines, making the previous collection method unreliable. Nearly all households have a water meter, so this method ensures everyone who benefits from 911 service contributes fairly.

What is the 911 Water Meter Fee?

Effective January 1st, 2026, the 911 Water Meter Fee will appear on water bills as a small charge used to help fund Madison County’s 911 emergency communications system.