Jonesville council hears briefing on Hillsdale County public‑safety radio bond ahead of August primary

Public Safety Director Mike Lance told the Jonesville City Council on July 17 that a Hillsdale County Public Safety Communications bond proposition will appear on the August primary ballot and that county officials are conducting outreach to explain the proposal to voters.

Lance, joined by Thomas Whitaker, director of Central Dispatch, described the measure as related to public‑safety radio equipment and communications upgrades for the county. He said county representatives and vendor staff will hold an open house at the Jonesville Police Department on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and that Motorola representatives will be on hand to answer technical questions about new radios.

The presentation was informational; the council did not vote on the matter. Lance framed the briefing as voter education ahead of the August primary and encouraged residents with questions to attend the open house. Whitaker attended the meeting in support of the presentation and remained available to answer dispatch‑related inquiries.

Why it matters: the bond proposition will appear on a county ballot; passage would authorize funding for communications infrastructure that affects local police, fire and dispatch operations. The council’s role at this meeting was to receive information and help publicize outreach opportunities in Jonesville.

The county open house is scheduled for July 24, 2024, at the Jonesville Police Department, 2:30–6:30 p.m.; council members did not take a formal position during the July 17 meeting.