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Legislature Advances Countywide "Combat" Sales-Tax Renewal for November Ballot
Summary
Jackson County legislators voted to advance ordinance 6096, asking voters to renew the county's anti-crime sales tax ("combat") and extend the sunset to 10 years; proponents argued the fund supports prevention, treatment and enforcement programs crucial to public safety.
The Jackson County Legislature voted to advance and adopt ordinance 6096 to place a renewal question on the November 3, 2026 ballot that would continue the countywide anti-crime sales tax (referred to as "combat") for a proposed 10-year period. The ordinance as presented would continue the tax at the stated rate in the ballot language; the legislature completed a roll-call adoption with the clerk recording an 8-yes, 1-excused tally.
Prosecutor Johnson and Director Woodard described services that depend on combat funding and urged the legislature to place the renewal before voters before the current tax expires in March 2027. Prosecutor Johnson said, "This tax is up and it will be done in March 2027," and Director Woodard highlighted enforcement and prevention partners, including the Eastern Jackson County Drug Task Force and more than 100 community agencies funded by combat. During questioning, legislators pressed staff about metrics and how prevention outcomes are measured; staff and the prosecutor emphasized both enforcement metrics (seizures, arrests) and prevention supports such as detox beds and school-based initiatives funded by combat.
