Jackson County board orders 30-day termination of Drug-Free Communities coordinator

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors voted on April 7 to authorize the chair’s signature on a 30‑day termination notice of the contract between Jackson County and Dawn Nelson as the Drug‑Free Communities (DFC) project coordinator, effective 04/07/2026. Scott Warren, prevention coalition board chair, asked supervisors to terminate the contract and provide interim coverage: “As a prevention coalition, we would ask that you consider terminating the DFC contract, providing 30 days notice to the employee,” Warren said, and proposed that Julie Fern cover the grant on an interim, hourly basis while the coalition and county identify longer‑term leadership.

During discussion supervisors asked about continuity and grant compliance; Warren said the coalition board would help the interim worker meet grant objectives and emphasized there are about 2.5 years left on the grant. The board moved to authorize a 30‑day termination notice, with Mike Steiner moving and Nymphlegel seconding; the motion carried by voice vote. Chair Don Swicker added the board needs “immediate communications between the board and the coalition to kind of rectify the shortcomings” going forward.