Alpena County to hold special election for 911 surcharge renewal in May

The $3 surcharge has been in place since 2021 and raises $900,000 to $970,000 annually for 911 operations.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Alpena County commissioners voted to approve a special election for an Alpena County 911 Central Dispatch surcharge renewal at Tuesday's Finance, Ways, and Means committee meeting. The surcharge request slated for May is not seeking an increase, but the special election is necessary because the department must report their surcharge to the State 911 Office by May 15 for the period between July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Why it matters

The 911 surcharge is a critical source of funding for Alpena County's 911 Central Dispatch operations. Holding a special election to renew the surcharge ensures the department can continue providing emergency services to the community without interruption.

The details

In 2021, voters in Alpena County approved a $3 surcharge for five years on their cell phone bills to help cover 911 operations. The surcharge request slated for May is not seeking an increase. The special election is necessary because the department must report their surcharge to the State 911 Office by May 15 for the period between July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The state told 911 Central Dispatch Director Kim Elkie that her department had missed the opportunity to add the surcharge renewal on the August or November ballot.

  • In 2021, voters in Alpena County approved a $3 surcharge for five years on their cell phone bills.
  • The special election for the 911 surcharge renewal is scheduled for May 4, 2026.

The players

Alpena County 911 Central Dispatch

The department responsible for providing emergency services to the Alpena County community.

Kim Elkie

The Alpena County 911 Central Dispatch Director.

Alpena County Commissioners

The governing body that voted to approve the special election for the 911 surcharge renewal.

Jesse Osmer

The Alpena County Administrator who plans to speak with state legislators about providing a gap period to allow the county dispatch department to move to the fall-election cycle.

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What they’re saying

“The election has to be completed and certified so that I can report to the State 911 Office. They have a report they have to submit to the state legislature who has final oversight on our surcharge.”

— Kim Elkie, Alpena County 911 Central Dispatch Director (thealpenanews.com)

“Even municipalities now are moving to November and August elections. They are no longer doing the spring elections, it'll be easier to prepare.”

— Jesse Osmer, Alpena County Administrator (thealpenanews.com)

What’s next

County Administrator Jesse Osmer plans to speak with either State Senator Michelle Hoitenga or State Representative Cam Cavitt to see if the state legislature can provide a gap period to allow the county dispatch department to move to the fall-election cycle.

The takeaway

The special election for the 911 surcharge renewal highlights the challenges faced by local governments in maintaining critical emergency services funding. By working with state legislators, Alpena County hopes to find a more sustainable solution that aligns with broader trends towards consolidated election cycles.