The Cost
Our Cost-Sharing Philosophy
The Digital Innovation Collaborative Exchange (DICE) cost allocation plan ensures fair, affordable, and sustainable funding for shared digital tools and services for rural local governments. It supports DICE’s operations, rewards early investors, and funds future innovation.
Equity
Fees are scaled to a jurisdiction’s size (e.g., population or tax base)
Sustainability
Diversified fees cover costs and fund ongoing development.
Transparency
Clear, documented fee calculations and annual reporting.
Accessibility
Affordable for small jurisdictions, with incentives for early adopters
The Tier System
Jurisdictions are grouped into tiers based on quantifiable metrics like population, parcel count, or tax base. Smaller jurisdictions pay less, while larger ones pay a higher multiplier proportional to their size and capacity.
Tier 1
Small
[e.g., Population < 10,000, or SEV < $X million, or Parcel Count < Y]
Tier 2
Medium
[e.g., Population 10,000 – 49,999, or SEV $X -$Y million, or Parcel Count Y – Z]
Tier 3
Large
[e.g., Population >= 50,000, or SEV > $Y million, or Parcel Count > Z]
The Fee Structure
These are the four fee types you should expect to see on an invoice.
Solution Access Fee (SAF)
A one-time buy-in fee to access a specific “MicroTool” (like a zoning chatbot or permit automation). This varies by tier but has a minimum floor price (e.g., $500)
Service Implementation (SIF)
A one-time fee covering the hands-on work DICE staff performs to set up, configure, and train local staff on the new tool.
Ongoing Solution Usage Fee (OSUF)
A predictable, recurring fee (billed monthly, quarterly, or annually) for the maintenance, hosting, dedicated support, and minor updates of the tool.
Base Membership Dues
An annual contribution from all members that supports the core administrative and operational functions of the DICE shared service network.
Incentives for Early Action
| Founding Members | Early Adopters |
| Jurisdictions that help fund the initial development of a tool receive service credits up to 110% of their original contribution, which can be applied to other DICE services. | Jurisdictions that join shortly after a tool is built receive credits that reduce their access fee to a lower “Minimum Price” (e.g., 25-50% of the initial cost). |
The DICE Innovation Fund
The DIF is established to fund the exploration of emerging technologies, the ODC of new Shared Solutions, major enhancements to existing Solutions beyond routine maintenance, member-specific innovation pilots, and other activities that foster a culture of innovation within DICE, as approved by the Steering Committee. The DIF shall be managed under the oversight of the Steering Committee, which will approve allocation priorities and specific project funding from the DIF.
SAFs
A portion of SAFs (25%-100% depending on phase) funds new tools, upgrades, and innovation pilots, ensuring DICE evolves without relying solely on grants.
Membership Dues
Base Membership Dues are a uniform contribution level for all Participating Entities to support the core administrative and operational functions of DICE, distinct from fees for specific Solutions.
Other
The Steering Committee may also allocate other funds (e.g., grants specifically for innovation, philanthropic contributions, operational surpluses) to the DIF.