First responders host Q&A on proposed Andrew County dispatch tax

By: Darren Doyle

ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- Andrew County community members gathered with area first responders to discuss a possible tax hitting the ballots in the spring of 2026 elections. 

The tax would help fund a state-of-the-art communications center in the county to keep the county's dispatching service local.

Area residents worry that if the service moves out of town, response times will slow down for first responders.

The official specifics and ballot language for this effort have not been decided, although a handout at the meeting references a path toward a sales tax of up to 1% in the county.

The possible tax could generate $1.4 million toward this endeavor, according to Andrew County East District Commissioner Fritz Hegeman. 

First responders from Fillmore, Savannah, Cosby-Helena, and more joined the meeting.

Along with a new dispatch center, a board to oversee the operation would also be formed if the tax initiative passes in the spring of 2026, according to Hegeman. 

"If the tax issue were to pass and the voters were to elect to form an emergency services communication district, then the board is appointed by the county commission," said Hegeman. "(It is) supposed to include so many members of emergency services, representatives from those departments and then, I believe, two members from each of the districts of the county."

The chairman of the board would also be decided, who should remain impartial, according to Hegeman. 

Many area members shared their thoughts and concerns about the issue with local leaders at the Andrew County Museum on Wednesday. 

One of those speaking up in favor of keeping the service local was former Andrew County Sheriff Bryan Atkins.

Atkins said having a dispatch center and staffing in the county would matter a great deal. He shared about a 911 call that came through, about a man who had collapsed at a local restaurant.

Atkins said the call was eventually routed to DeKalb County due to calls coming in about a wreck at the Savannah/Andrew County location.

He said the dispatcher was insistent on an address; however, Atkins said the call was from the Savannah Family Diner. A location that an ambulance crew had just departed from.

"(This is a) perfect example of if you send (dispatch out of county), you're going to get exactly what you pay for. It may be cheaper, and that's exactly what you're going to get, cheap," Atkins shared with the room. "So if you want to live in Andrew County, we need to step up and say, 'This is what we want for Andrew County'."

The official ballot language is scheduled to be decided by Jan. 27, 2026.

Hegeman said all area residents are welcome to reach out to the commission with any questions or concerns about the possible tax.