KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Voters Decide On How to Fund Butler Co. Radio Upgrade

Voters Decide On How to Fund Butler Co. Radio Upgrade

by Kim Hynes (BUTLER COUNTY, Kan.)

Butler County must spend $12.9 million of taxpayers dollars to update its emergency communications system. But the county is giving taxpayers a choice of how to pay for it.

Election Information

The Federal Communications Commission mandated that all analog radio systems get an upgrade by 2013. The county is taking the upgrade a step further by going digital. "Investing this money in a good solid approach that will meet our needs for 25 years. It's a much better alternative that makes financial sense," said Emergency Communications Director Chris Davis.

It's an investment taxpayers can't avoid, but they can choose how to pay for it.  In November, Butler County will mail out ballots asking voters if they support a quarter cent sales tax to pay for the new radio system. The other option is to raise property taxes. For a $100,000 home, it would be $34.50 a year. "I don't think I would notice it really, a quarter cent.  But I'd notice it when my appraisal come out.  I'd vote for the sales tax increase," said Augusta resident Bill Hallmark.

If the sales tax is approved, it would last a maximum of 10 years. The county says if the $12.9 million is raised sooner, the sales tax would go away.

However it's funded, dispatchers say they'll notice a difference on the radios. Every county agency will go on the same system which means there will no longer be gaps in reception. "We've got some pretty significant coverage challenges. 6:04 This new system we don't have that problem," said Davis.