Title
Agenda Item:
Use of Public Safety Sales Tax Funds
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Informational only
Body
Issue:
Overview of the use of Public Safety Sales Tax funding.
Staff Contact:
Laura Wohl, OPD, 360.753.8214
Background and Analysis:
In 2012, the citizens of Olympia voted to add a .1% sales tax to fund public safety needs. The City began receiving funds through this tax during the second half of 2013. As part of the 2013 budget process, the City Council identified several areas for expending the new funds that included restoring several programs within the Police Department and the Criminal Division of the Legal Department, funding the Downtown Ambassador program, and reinstating a Downtown Walking Patrol.
2014 marks the first full year of Public Safety Sales Tax receipts. Accordingly, additional projects are being proposed within the Police Department for the 2014 budget. Staff will present an overview of the programs funded in 2013 as well as a preview of suggested funding in 2014.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Public Safety Sales Tax funding provides important resources to the criminal justice system and other programs that directly affect the safety of neighborhoods throughout the City and the Downtown business area.
Options:
Informational
Financial Impact:
In 2013, a total of $891,300 was budgeted for public safety enhancements based on the Public Safety Sales Tax anticipated receipts. The 2014 estimated revenue is expected to support $1,372,000 of public safety expenditures.