Hancock County 9‑1‑1 seeks TIF support for new public‑safety systems manager; commission OKs advertising

John Jochenos, the Hancock County 9‑1‑1 director, asked the redevelopment commission to support taking one new public‑safety systems program manager position out of RDC/TIF funding to cover technical systems work including radios and computer‑aided dispatch.

Jochenos said the position was budgeted at roughly $110,000 (salary plus benefits) and that the job posting needed to go out immediately so the department could attract qualified candidates. He told commissioners the role is “the public safety systems program manager.” Commissioners discussed whether the expense was already in the 2027 advertised budget, and staff confirmed the $110,000 line was included. A motion to authorize proceeding and advertising the position was made and seconded, and the commission voted by voice to approve moving forward with the position as budgeted for 2027.

Why this matters: the post is intended to address escalating technical needs for radios, CAD support and other public‑safety systems; commissioners flagged timing and budget clarity but agreed to let the hiring process proceed so the county can recruit qualified technical staff.