The August 5th election has one item on the ballot for Livingston County. The “9-1-1 Central Dispatch Sales Tax Question.”
The voters are asked to consider, Shall the county impose a county sales tax of 3/8th of a percent for the purpose of providing a central dispatching for emergency services.
The Answer The Call, Keep The Calls Local Committee is meeting with organizations and individuals to discuss the sales tax and the benefits to the county. Treasurer Darrell Wright talked with KCHI and says there are several reasons to support the sales tax measure.
The tax would allow 911 to become a stand-alone entity.
Wright says if this is passed, the sales taxes collected would support the 911 operation.
Support it with a small surplus for future updates.
He says the funding includes the employees – up to 10 dispatchers and an office person.
He says the management would be separate from the city and county. There would be a separate elected board. Initially, the board members would be appointed, but the elections would be staggered over a few election cycles.
Wright explains why a sales tax was chosen to fund the 911 services.
Paid by all who purchase items in Livingston County, not just property owners.
The “9-1-1 Central Dispatch Sales Tax Question” is on the August 5th Ballot. Absentee voting is available now.
