Guam’s next generation 911 system is working but at a cost that the Guam Fire Department says is getting harder to cover.

“We intend to meet with the Public Utilities Commission to seek an increase from the current 911 surcharge to our end, we have our recommendation fees and fines scheduled update and I’m ready to present to the body in order to create legislation and implement as soon as possible,” said GFD Chief Daren Burrier.

The $1 monthly surcharge, first implemented more than two decades ago in 2001, no longer stretches far enough to keep the island’s emergency call system fully funded.

GFD is asking to raise that surcharge by at least $2 more per month to help pay the $2.9 million needed for system maintenance, costs that were not included in its $39.9 million Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.

Without the increase, GFD risks falling deeper behind. Chief Burrier says the department is already $500,000 to $700,000 behind on 911 system payments this fiscal year alone.

But it’s not just about 911. GFD is also looking at other ways to boost revenue, such as increasing the fire inspection fees

“Our fees are antiquated and far below for communities and economies of our scale. For example, it costs $35 to conduct an inspection for a small storefront while it costs the same amount to inspect any one of our Tumon hotels,” said Burrier. 

At Wednesday's budget hearing, lawmakers voiced support for the potential surcharge increase. Senator Chris Duenas, who chairs the Finance Committee, says it may be the only realistic option to keep Guam's 911 system reliable.

GFD’s total budget request for the coming year is just under $40 million with nearly 95% of that amount going to pay personnel.

But the department is also investing in equipment. GFD recently added four new ambulances to its fleet, boosting the total to six in service, with nine others still serviceable.

“These ambulances have arrived and are now serving the citizens of our island. We continue the process of procuring supplies and equipment that will assist in the full implementation of our paramedic initiative,” added Burrier. 

For now, the decision to raise the 911 surcharge rests with the Public Utilities commission and GFD plans to file its petition in the coming weeks.

Until then, Guam’s first responders say they’re doing everything they can to keep the island safe.