$52 Dwelling Tax to Go on Ballot

In an effort to find a stable source of funding for the Police and Fire departments, the City Council voted last week to place a measure on the November ballot asking residents to impose a $52 annual tax on every dwelling unit in the city.

The proposed tax, which requires approval of two-thirds of the voters, would generate $482,000 a year and would be specifically designated for the Police and Fire departments. City officials said the money could be used to hire five police officers, two paramedics and a civilian aide in the Fire Department.

The council rejected a recommendation from City Manager Gregory Meyer that the tax be set at $91 per year. Council members said that proposal was too high and voters would reject it. Several months ago, the Police Department proposed a tax of $187 per year, but the council declined to place that proposal on the ballot.