Alpena residents vote in special election
ALPENA, Mich. — Residents in Alpena County had the chance to get out and vote Tuesday. The county held a special election, where residents voted to continue paying a surcharge to fund 9–1–1 operations.
“It’s a civic duty,” Alpena resident Rick Bednarz said. “I vote in every election.” Dave Fielder feels the same way.
“I always vote in every election,” Fielder said. “I feel like it’s a civic duty. It’s an honor and a privilege.”
The 9-1-1 surcharge is three dollars per month- and the county usually brings in close to $1 million per year from it. The revenue is what funds the 9-1-1 operations for the year.
“I think it’s the least we can do to support the infrastructure we need for our law enforcement,” Fielder said. “It serves not just the city, but the county as well.”
The county board of commissioners announced the election earlier this year. At that time, Emergency Services Coordinator Mark Hall told WBKB that he hopes residents recognize the importance of the 9–1–1 system.
“9–1–1 is an important service,” Bednarz said. “And it needs to be funded. I think that’s a worthwhile issue to be voting on.”
The polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Residents voted in an overwhelming majority to continue the surcharge. A total of 3,578 votes were counted, with 2,886 yes votes. The policy will be renewed until 2026– where it could end up on a ballot again.
WBKB has updated this article at 11:35 a.m. on May 5, 2021.
