On The Ballot: Jackson County Question 1

     Jackson County voters will be asked  November 3rd to decide on whether to add a fee of up to $1.00 for all subscribers to communication services that features the ability to call 911, with revenue going to the County’s E-911 System Fund.
     The measure is an attempt to fix Jackson County’s current funding mechanism for the service, which is supported entirely by a 7% landline surcharge. Most 911 calls are made by cellphones and the number of landline users continues to decline. Jackson County states the declining revenues threaten emergency response.
     The measure, if passed, would impose a fee of up to $1.00 on any device capable of contacting 911, which would include cellphones. Fees would be included on service bills. The fee would replace the current funding mechanism of 7% service charge on landline users, representing a decrease in monthly fees for these users. Fees will be assessed based on the address associated with the cellphone account or landline within Jackson County.
     The fee will be assessed on a maximum of 100 lines per location/address. Fees will be capped at 100 lines for businesses or organizations with more than 100 lines.
     The measure restricts the spending of the new fee revenues to the 911 system, so none of the funds can be spent for other purposes by the County.
     If passed, the new fee will go into effect on April 1, 2021.
     Polls are open 6:00am—7:00pm on Tuesday, November 3rd. Absentee voting in person continues at 110 N. Liberty, Independence. The absentee drop off location is located at 112 N. Liberty, Independence. For more information, visit www.jcebmo.org.