Title
Resolution Concerning Potential Ballot Proposition Authorizing a 0.1% Increase in Sales and Use Tax for Criminal Justice Purposes
Issue:
Should the City Council add a public saftey sales tax proposal to the November 6, 2012 ballot asking voters to raise revenue to sustain and enhance public safety services in the city?
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee met on June 7, 2012 in a special meeting of the City Council to consider revenue options. The Committee unanimously recommended this action to the full City Council.
City Manager’s Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution adding a ballot proposition to the November 6, 2012 election authorizing a 0.1% Increase in Sales and Use Tax for Criminal Justice Purposes.
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall, City Manager 753.8447
Tom Morrill, City Attorney 753.8338
Ronnie Roberts, Police Chief 753.8409
Background and Analysis:
The City's financial position continues to decline. Now in the fifth year of flat or declining revenues, the City is once again faced with difficult decisions of continuing to cut programs and services or adding new revenues.
Over the past four years the City has eliminated a number of programs and services to the community, and cut approximately 50 positions (about 10% of the work force). In addition, major maintenance programs have been under funded and some needs, such as the replacement of the Washington Center siding, currently have no identified funding source.
In police services, the City has already eliminated the downtown walking patrol, ended participation in the regional narcotics task force, reduced traffic safety enforcement, plus cut a number of support positions. In total 6 commissioned officer positions have been eliminated including a commander and lieutenants positions.
In 2013, programs at risk for being reduced or eliminated in the police department include the School Resource Officers and police crime prevention and volunteer programs (block watch, harbo...
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