(TNS) — Longmont voters can expect to see a public safety tax measure on their ballots this November, following alarms raised by police and fire department officials over staff shortages.
If the tax measure passes, the funds will pay to fill 86 additional public safety positions: 43 police officers, 31 firefighters and 12 collaborative services staff members. Collaborative services include case managers, crisis outreach response and engagement staff, victim advocates and domestic violence services staff.
The initiative to place the tax measure on the ballot passed 6-1 at the July 14 City Council meeting. Councilmember Diane Crist cast the lone dissenting vote. The measure would be funded through an equal, 50-50 split of sales and property taxes. The council rejected an earlier proposal that relied solely on a sales tax, with some council members pointing out that relying solely on sales taxes might put a financial strain on the poorest members of the community…