Colorado Springs proposes new 911 authority for improved emergency services

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- City officials confirmed plans to create a new Colorado Springs 911 Authority to replace the existing regional structure. According to the city, this will ensure public safety dollars are directed to public safety needs within the city.

A recording of the press release held by city officials on the topic can be watched below:

This decision is still pending approval by City Council, according to officials.

This change would mean Colorado Springs would leave the current El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority regional structure and move into a new Colorado Springs-specific authority.

Officials clarified that this proposal will not change who answers emergency calls but will change who receives emergency telephone surcharge revenue.

As of now, the El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority receives these funds and distributes them across El Paso and Teller Counties. If this change is approved, city officials say the money collected from telephone surcharges would go entirely to Colorado Springs.

According to officials, those living in El Paso County, as well as Colorado Springs, would only recieve a surcharge for Colorado Springs.

If this change is approved by City Council, the initiative would be implemented in 2027.

El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority released the following statement:

The El Paso-Teller County 9-1-1 Authority (Authority) has no comment as we review the information regarding the City of Colorado Springs decision to separate from the Authority. The Authority was informed of the City of Colorado Springs' decision shortly before the press briefing.

The Authority's regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at 12:00 p.m. During that meeting, the Board will discuss the matter and evaluate its potential impact. After those
discussions and a clearer understanding of the implications, the Authority will provide a more comprehensive response

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