Jackson County weighs per‑capita EMA levy and possible county takeover for dispatch

At the Feb. 3 Jackson County Board of Supervisors meeting, City Manager Josh Bolt gave a detailed update on efforts to resolve long‑running questions about 911 dispatch funding and governance. Bolt said consultants and an IT contractor have begun cost‑feasibility work and that a full hardware/infrastructure move could be substantial: “I will not be surprised at all for 1,000,000, million and 0.5 or something like that or more,” he told the board. He also said the county’s share of EMS calls tied to the regional health center is roughly $43,000 annually and that a hospital contribution (an example figure of $50,000) could materially affect options.

Bolt described two options on the table: a per‑capita EMA (Emergency Management Agency) agreement that preserves city employment of dispatch staff, or a county takeover financed through the general services levy. Board members questioned whether the county has legal authority to compel city participation via an EMA levy and asked the county attorney to draft options. Chair Don Swicker and other supervisors requested a written number for budget planning; the board asked staff to send an email confirming an assessment figure of $291,003.60 for use in FY27 planning, while noting any implementation would likely occur in FY28. “I think you guys might need to get involved to bring this to the finish line,” Bolt said, urging engagement from partner cities and the regional hospital.