Jackson County commissioners vote to place 9-1-1 radio surcharge on the ballot

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted to place revised ballot language on the upcoming ballot that would authorize a monthly 9-1-1 device surcharge — described during discussion as up to $3 per month — to fund the replacement of the county’s 800 MHz radios.

The move carried on a 5–3 roll call after extended public comment and commissioner debate. The clerk recorded votes as follows: Commissioners Bair, Walls, Pawlowski, Snell and the chair voted yes; Commissioners Kennedy, Duncan and Williams voted no. The chair declared the motion carried 5–3.

Commissioners who supported the measure framed it as a countywide decision that allows voters to choose the financing mechanism. "All we are doing is saying let the citizens decide," Commissioner Bair said during remarks supporting the ballot language. Supporters said a surcharge spreads cost beyond property owners to renters and others who use 9-1-1 services.

Opponents raised fairness and process concerns. "This isn't something they're demanding," Commissioner Kennedy said after reporting constituent outreach that she said showed little public demand for the measure; she also warned that four municipalities represent more than half the county population and could shift burden onto smaller communities.

County staff advised implementation would follow ordinary procurement and IT processes, with officials estimating equipment purchases could take roughly six months to a year after levy authority begins. Commissioners also noted the ballot language includes an implementation date (the surcharge would not be applied until July 1, 2027, as discussed during debate), and that the commission would retain control over spending allocations should the additional revenue be approved by voters.

The measure now moves to the ballot process; if placed on a ballot, county officials said they would print ballots and proceed with the election timetable. The county’s administrator and staff said capital funds remain available as a contingency if voters decline the measure, but that relying on capital reserves would require reprioritizing other projects.