Legislature holds ordinance to place charter amendment on Aug. 5 ballot after cost questions

Jackson County legislators voted on May 14, 2025, to hold Ordinance 5909, which would submit a proposed Jackson County Charter amendment to the Aug. 5, 2025, primary ballot, after officials said a standalone election could cost “a little over a million dollars.”

Madam Clerk read the ordinance title to the Legislature. When legislators asked about the cost to place the measure on the ballot, the clerk and other speakers said the expense depends on whether the question is held with other items; if the measure runs alone, recent estimates put the cost at “a little over a million dollars” for a standalone election.

The presiding chair asked for a motion to adopt or to hold; a motion to hold was made and seconded. The clerk called the roll: Anderson, Peyton, Marshall, Husky, Franklin, Smith and McGee recorded yes votes, producing a 7–0 recorded vote with two members absent; the motion to hold carried.

Why it matters: placing a charter amendment on the ballot as a standalone question can create significant election costs for the county; legislators said cost-sharing with other ballot items can reduce that expense. One legislator noted the ordinance had been added to the docket late (updated Monday night) and that the sponsor, identified in the chamber as Mr. Barkas, was not present to speak to the item.

Ending: The ordinance remains on hold; legislators indicated they may revisit the item after clarifying cost estimates and sponsor intent.