Meridian voters will decide this November whether to approve a public safety levy that city leaders say would strengthen police, fire, and legal services in one of Idaho’s fastest-growing communities.
WATCH | Public safety leaders speak on levy details—
Public safety leaders speak on levy to pay for first responders, prosecution team
The levy would generate more than $5 million each year, starting next year, if voters approve. The city says the funding would help create a local prosecution team, raise police salaries to remain competitive, and retain more than a dozen firefighters whose positions are currently funded by a federal SAFER grant set to expire.
Police Chief Tracey Basterrechea said the department faces challenges when officers leave, pointing to the costs of turnover and training…