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20260609 Mayoral Debate
Published: Jun 9, 2026
Mayoral Candidates Outline Plans for School Growth and Educational Preparedness
Candidates discussed preparing for future population growth and its impact on schools. Betty Burch stressed the need for a comprehensive plan that includes infrastructure, funding, and economic development to manage growth and finance educational needs, looking five to ten years ahead. Brian Crook linked school quality to safety and infrastructure, suggesting a need for better communication and accountability from the school board, criticizing past meetings as 'nasty.' Jack McCall praised the county's school system as a draw for new residents, highlighted the upcoming need for a new jail, and emphasized the importance of planning and finding revenue for future school expansions, acknowledging the challenge of balancing services with tax relief.
Candidates Differ on Approach to Code Enforcement and Property Maintenance
Mayoral candidates addressed community appearance and code enforcement. Brian Crook stated that while government cannot regulate private property, existing ordinances can be enforced through warnings and fines, opposing government overreach and eminent domain, and suggesting dialogue with property owners. Jack McCall acknowledged the need to clean up properties and noted the building and codes office is understaffed due to housing development, suggesting a full-time person might be needed. He highlighted efforts to secure grants for investigating and renovating derelict buildings like the depot and Peds building. Betty Burch insisted that ordinances and codes have been neglected and that cleaning up areas is necessary before attracting businesses, suggesting tax liens for non-compliance and offering assistance to landowners unable to make improvements, comparing some areas to a 'third world country'.
Mayoral Candidates Address Animal Control Concerns and Shelter Needs
Candidates discussed animal control issues. Jack McCall stated the current animal shelter is run efficiently with minimal complaints and low euthanasia rates, crediting the current director. He noted the challenge of gathering animals when complaints arise. Betty Burch disagreed, stating animal shelter issues are a major concern for residents and proposed soliciting partnerships to build a new shelter on county-owned property, contingent on financial stability. Brian Crook acknowledged the high volume of 'dog calls' handled by the sheriff's department and agreed the current shelter director is doing his best with available resources. He emphasized the need for a dedicated animal control officer, full or part-time, to assist the sheriff's department and suggested upgrading the shelter facility with volunteer help.
Mayoral Candidates Debate Funding Strategies for County Needs, Including Jail and Staff Pay
Candidates discussed county finances and funding priorities, including competitive pay for sheriff's deputies and EMS, a new jail, and other needs, while being mindful of the tax burden. Brian Crook opposed the proposed $80 wheel tax for a 40-year jail term, suggesting tapping into state inmate boarding and commissary/phone revenue as a non-taxpayer-funded alternative. Jack McCall stated a 1-cent property tax increase yields $37,000 and advocated for a combination of funding sources, opposing property tax hikes and proposing delaying the wheel tax. Betty Burch criticized the current budget as 'chaos,' advocated for financial security, and expressed concern over the 40-year wheel tax duration, suggesting it should be a combination of wheel and property taxes unless more revenue is generated through economic development.
Candidates Propose Diverse Revenue Strategies Amidst Fiscal Concerns
During the final question on county finances, candidates discussed revenue generation and expenditure priorities. Brian Crook criticized the proposed $80 wheel tax for a new jail, suggesting alternative revenue streams like increased administrative fees from Core Civic ($300,000 currently, potentially millions) and Embridge ($2 million/year estimated) to avoid taxing residents. Jack McCall explained that a 1-cent property tax increase yields $37,000, emphasizing the balancing act between services and tax relief, and stated the county budget presented had no property tax increase. Betty Burch reiterated her concern about the county's financial chaos, noting borrowed funds within the budget and questioning the destination of sales tax revenue from projects like Embridge. She also mentioned a $1.2 million permit fee from Embridge as one-time funding.
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