911 Funding FAQ

How is Boyd County 911 funded?

Boyd County 911 is supported through local 911 service fees and Kentucky’s statewide wireless 911 charges. These funding sources support the emergency communications services on which residents and first responders rely.

What is the local 911 service fee?

Boyd County property owners pay an annual $50.00 per address 911 service fee, collected with property taxes. The fee took effect in January 2018 and replaced the former 17% fee on landline telephone service.

Are there still wireless telephone charges?

Yes. Kentucky imposes a $0.70 monthly 911 surcharge per postpaid wireless connection. This charge is established under state law and is not a separate fee set by Boyd County.

For prepaid wireless service, Kentucky law establishes a separate $0.93 charge on qualifying retail transactions, rather than a monthly charge per line. See KRS 65.760, KRS 65.7629, and KRS 65.7634 for the legal framework.

Why did the funding method change?

As traditional landline telephone subscriptions declined and residents increasingly used mobile devices, local governments needed sustainable ways to support emergency communications operations.

Is it legal to charge a 911 service fee?

Yes. KRS 65.760(3) authorizes local governments to levy certain taxes, licenses, or fees for establishing and operating 911 emergency service, subject to the Kentucky Constitution and other statutes.

In Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Apartment Association, Inc. v. Campbell County Fiscal Court, 479 S.W.3d 603 (Ky. 2015), the Supreme Court of Kentucky upheld a county’s annual 911 service fee assessed on occupied residential and commercial units. The decision affirmed the statutory authority for such a funding mechanism; it did not specifically adjudicate Boyd County’s fee. Read the court decision ↗.