The City of Berea would like to inform residents and businesses of a new ordinance adopted by the Berea City Council to support the operation and continued improvement of the Madison County Emergency Communications Center, which provides 911 emergency services to the Berea community.
The ordinance establishes a dedicated monthly 911 service fee and will take effect on bills due January 10, 2026. This fee is designed to ensure that emergency communications remain reliable, sustainable, and properly staffed to meet the needs of our growing community. The fee will be collected through active water accounts located within the incorporated areas of the City of Berea.
Monthly 911 Service Fee Schedule:
- Residential and Non-Commercial Accounts: $3.50 per unit
- Commercial Accounts (meters 1 inch or smaller): $41.67 per meter
- Industrial and Large Commercial Accounts (meters larger than 1 inch): $125.00 per meter
All revenue collected through this fee will be placed into a dedicated fund and used exclusively for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the countywide 911 emergency communications system. Water utilities will remit the collected funds monthly to the City of Berea to ensure transparency and accountability.
Beginning in 2027, the ordinance allows for an annual cost-of-living adjustment to the fee based on figures provided by the Kentucky Department of Local Government. Any such adjustment may be declined by the City Council during the budget process if deemed unnecessary.
The City of Berea recognizes the importance of maintaining a modern, efficient, and responsive 911 system. This funding approach aligns Berea with countywide emergency communications efforts and ensures that all users contribute fairly to the infrastructure that supports lifesaving services.
The first assessment of the 911 service fee will appear on water bills due in January 2026.
If a resident or business believes their 911 service fee has not been assessed accurately according to the fee structure outlined above, they are encouraged to contact the City of Berea at (859) 228-1048 for review and assistance. The phone line will be manned Mon, Tue, Thurs, and Fri from 7:00am to 4:30pm. If you are not able to get ahold of someone please leave a message and we will get back with you as soon as we are able.
Declaration of Domicile – Residential (Form 51A380)
Declaration of Domicile – Landlord(Form 51A381)