County to impose water meter fee to fund 911 services

On Tuesday, the Madison County Fiscal Court heard the first reading of ordinances related to the funding of Madison County Emergency Management Agency services, including 911 dispatch.

First up was a budget amendment ordinance for the Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Fund for EMA programs. The amendment moves $311,325 into the fund.

The second ordinance reviewed was for the restructuring of the 911 fee structure for the Madison County Emergency Communications Center and enhanced 911 service through the implementation of a water meter fee. The fee will only be imposed in the unincorporated areas of Madison County and will not apply to businesses, residents or industries in Berea or Richmond city limits.

The ordinance goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, imposing a monthly fee on water meters in unincorporated areas of the county. Monthly fees assessed will be: water meters on non-commercial properties, $3.50; commercial properties $12.50, and industrial or large commercial properties, $25.

Each water utility operating in unincorporated areas of Madison County will collect and process the fee in through their billing system. All of the funds will be used to fund the 911 emergency communications center, officials said.

Additionally, the ordinance rescinds the $3.50 month fee imposed on telephone landlines that used to fund 911 services. That portion of the ordinance will be effective Dec. 31.

Deputy Judge Executive Jill Williams noted the county is projected to generate approximately $1 million for operating the 911 center – the county’s portion of operating the center with Berea and Richmond.

The ordinances will come up for a second reading and final vote on October 28.

Also under review Tuesday was an ordinance creating a franchise for the operation of a telecommunications system in Madison County. Officials explained that Unity has purchased Windstream, the internet and telephone service provider.

That company wants to do business in Madison County, and the county requires each cable provider to be awarded a franchise. The non-exclusive franchise (in which there will be competing firms) will be for a 10-year period.

Four resolutions were adopted unanimously by the court, including:

• A measure authorizing the fire department to apply for a grant to get a portable power station.
• Dr. Paula Maiochi was reappointed to the Madison County Health Board. 
• Approximately $418,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds were reallocated from the Southern Madison Water District to aid with the construction of a new fire station in northern Madison County. The station is projected to costs approximately $581,000, officials said.
• A  separate resolution then allocated $418,000 from the county’s general fund back to the Southern Madison Water District. The resolution further noted the fact that the water district came in under budget on some designated infrastructure projects.
• In a 4-1 vote, the court amended the employee classification schedule.  Tom Botkin cast the dissenting vote, noting that while he supports the positive work going on at the jail, the timing of the ordinance is not ideal.  Magistrate Stephen Lochmueller disagreed, stating:

“ Change is not necessarily fun, but we’ve got to provide leadership,” Lochmueller said. “We’ve got someone leading the jail right now in a positive manner for the future. We have to do what’s right for the county, what’s right for the jail, what’s right for our leadership, and we have to support them based on what we’ve dealt with in the past.”

In other action, Madison County Fire Chief/EMA Director Tim Gray was recognized in the Employee Spotlight segment for outstanding service to the county since 2018.

During the Public Comments segment, Debbie Vascio of Crimson Drive raised an objection to the fact that the maintenance of the gravel portion of Hayden Heights has been discontinued without good cause. Vescio asserted that the decision was not in compliance with the law, and that the decision was made based on faulty information. Vescio requested a resolution reinstating county maintenance of Hayden Heights. Judge Taylor asked Vescio to provide him with a copy of her documentation.

The next fiscal court meeting is slated for Oct. 28 in Richmond.