Alpena County to hold special election to renew 9-1-1 surcharge; certification required by May 15

Alpena County commissioners voted Feb. 10 to seek a special election to renew the county’s 9-1-1 surcharge after staff said the deadline for reporting to the state 9-1-1 office cannot be met by putting the measure on the regular August or November ballots.

County staff told the board they “do not have time to put our surcharge renewal on the August or November ballot,” and that the county must certify the result to the state 9-1-1 office by May 15. Staff also said the 9-1-1 office contacts phone companies with next-year surcharge rates and that the last special election cost the county almost $39,000.

The board discussed options for covering election costs. County staff said the 9-1-1 fund previously covered the special election and that the county will again seek to avoid placing an undue burden on townships and the city. Commissioners asked staff to work with legislators and the state 9-1-1 office on a statutory fix so the county would not have to run a special election every six years.

Commissioners approved the motion to proceed with the special election by roll call. Several commissioners asked staff to provide a clear estimate of election costs and to confirm which jurisdictions (townships and the city) would be reimbursed for election expenses.

Next steps: county staff will arrange the special election and report back on the expected cost and reimbursement plan; staff also said they will contact state legislators and the state 9-1-1 office about a longer-term fix to the election cycle.