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On The Record with the Chairman of the Jackson County Legislature
This week, the Jackson County Legislature passed a budget that reflects not only
compromise, but leadership, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on the people we
serve. As Chairman, I’m proud to have led this body through a difficult process and to
have delivered results that meet the moment for our residents.
Let’s be honest, this year’s budget process took far longer than it should have.
The County Executive’s veto of the Legislature’s original budget threw critical
funding into limbo, delaying resources that dozens of community
organizations depend on to keep people housed, fed, and safe. These agencies are
the safety net for Jackson County, and they were forced to operate with uncertainty
while we worked to clean up the dysfunction created by the administration.
Throughout the impasse, I stayed at the table and worked with my colleagues to find a
path forward. I knew that failure was not an option—too many lives and livelihoods were
on the line. My focus was on ending the gridlock, restoring stability, and putting forth a
budget that puts people over politics.
The final budget we passed delivers on that promise. It includes:
- $6 million for outside agencies, supporting nonprofits that provide housing
assistance, mental health care, food programs, and community safety efforts.
These are frontline organizations—and they can now continue their work with the
funding they deserve. - $3 million in new investment in affordable housing, making a real down
payment on long-term solutions to one of our most urgent challenges. - $1 million for broadband expansion, helping connect underserved
communities and close the digital divide. - $500,000 in additional support for the Prosecutor’s Office, strengthening
enforcement of Domestic Violence and providing more protection for witnesses of
crime.
These are not abstract numbers. These investments will touch real people’s
lives — from seniors who need meals delivered, to families facing eviction, to neighbors
working to stay safe.
As Chairman, I take seriously my responsibility to lead, even in moments of division.
This budget would not have happened without a sustained, focused effort to bring
legislators together and demand better from our local government. I’m grateful to my
colleagues, especially those who worked across the aisle and across priorities—to get
us to a final deal.
But let me be clear: this budget is just the beginning. Jackson County families are still
struggling, especially under the burden of rising property taxes. Next year’s
budget must not only fund services, but it must also deliver relief.
That means reforming the process. We need a collaborative and transparent approach
from day one, where residents, community partners, and local leaders are included
early and often. It also means setting bold, people-first goals — not just managing our
challenges but solving them.
This is what leadership looks like: listening to the people, working through
disagreements, and delivering results that matter. That’s the kind of government
Jackson County deserves. And as long as I am Chairman, that’s the kind of leadership I
will continue to provide.
Let’s build on this progress — and aim even higher for the people of Jackson County.
DaRon McGee
Chairman, Jackson County Legislature
Dorri Partain
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