City Council issues statement on El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority agreement

City Council was unexpectedly briefed by Mayor Yemi Mobolade, Colorado Springs Police Department, and the Colorado Springs Fire Department during its City Council Regular Meeting lunch on Tuesday, July 14. As a collective City Council, this is the first meaningful information City Council has been provided since Mayor Mobolade announced the City's departure from El Paso - Teller County 911 Authority on June 22nd without prior notification to City Council or our regional partners. Due to the unplanned nature of the presentation, City Council was unable to engage in thoughtful or meaningful dialogue regarding the proposal.

During the presentation, Mayor Mobolade informed City Council that an Intergovernmental Agreement was the mechanism in which the City of Colorado Springs is in partnership with the El Paso - Teller County 911 Authority. This Intergovernmental Agreement and subsequent amendments were approved by Resolution by City Council. Therefore, the only mechanism by which the City of Colorado Springs may withdraw from the El Paso - Teller County 911 Authority is through City Council legislative action. Additionally, City Council is the only body that can create a new authority and impose the 911 fee for the City of Colorado Springs.

While City Council strongly supports Colorado Springs Police and Fire and shares their concerns about evolving needs of our community, City Council believes the real concerns that they addressed yesterday could be negotiated with the Authority and that should be the first course of action. City Council is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to address these issues while maintaining the regional partnership that serves our citizens effetely.

A majority of City Council has been absent from the table during this important discussion in which City Council must consider legislative action to remain or withdraw from El Paso - Teller County 911 Authority.

City Council will further engage on this topic at its Work Session on Monday, August 10th and will hear presentations from Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department, and El Paso - Teller County 911 Authority.