2005 Montana Code Annotated - 10-4-311 — Distribution of enhanced account by department.

     10-4-311. Distribution of enhanced account by department. (1) The department shall make quarterly distributions of the entire enhanced 9-1-1 account for costs incurred during the preceding calendar quarter by each provider of telephone service in the state for:
     (a) collection of the fee imposed by 10-4-201(1)(b); and
     (b) modification of central office switching and trunking equipment necessary to provide service for an enhanced 9-1-1 system only.
     (2) Payments under subsection (1) may be made only after application by the provider to the department for costs described in subsection (1). The department shall review all applications relevant to subsection (1) for appropriateness of costs claimed by the provider. If the provider contests the review, payment may not be made until the amount owed the provider is made certain.
     (3) After all amounts under subsections (1) and (2) have been paid:
     (a) for each fiscal year through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007:
     (i) 84% of the balance of the account must be allocated to cities and counties on a per capita basis. However, each county must be allocated a minimum of 1% of the balance of the counties' share of the account.
     (ii) the remaining 16% of the balance of the account must be distributed evenly to the counties with 1% or less than 1% of the total population of the state; and
     (b) for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2007, 100% of the balance of the account must be allocated to cities and counties on a per capita basis. However, each county must be allocated a minimum of 1% of the balance of the counties' share of the account.
     (4) An enhanced 9-1-1 jurisdiction whose enhanced 9-1-1 service area includes more than one city or county is eligible to receive operating funds from the allocation for each city or county involved. The department shall distribute to the accounting entity designated by an enhanced 9-1-1 jurisdiction with an approved final plan for enhanced 9-1-1 service the proportional amount for each city or county served by the enhanced 9-1-1 jurisdiction. The department shall, upon request, provide a report indicating the proportional share derived from the individual city's or county's allocation with each distribution to a 9-1-1 jurisdiction.
     (5) If the department determines that an enhanced 9-1-1 jurisdiction is not adhering to an approved plan for enhanced 9-1-1 service or is not using funds in the manner prescribed in 10-4-312, the department may, after giving notice to the jurisdiction and providing an opportunity for a representative of the jurisdiction to comment on the department's determination, suspend payment from the enhanced 9-1-1 account to the 9-1-1 jurisdiction. The jurisdiction is not eligible to receive funds from the enhanced 9-1-1 account until the department determines that the jurisdiction is complying with the approved plan for enhanced 9-1-1 and fund usage limitations.

     History: En. Sec. 14, Ch. 448, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 389, L. 1999.