Ashland City Council Proposes Renewed 0.25% Income Tax for Public Safety Staffing

Ashland City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing public safety by approving an ordinance to renew an additional 0.25% income tax for a five-year period. This tax, which will be presented to voters in a general election on November 4, 2025, aims to generate essential revenue for hiring and equipping additional police and fire personnel.

The ordinance, read during the council meeting on July 15, 2025, outlines the necessity of this tax renewal to maintain and improve the city’s safety services. The funds generated will be equally divided between the police and fire departments, ensuring that both sectors receive the necessary resources to operate effectively. This includes capital purchases such as vehicles, safety equipment, and technology needed for their duties.

Council members emphasized the importance of this funding, noting that it has previously allowed the city to achieve full staffing levels for the first time in many years. Currently, Ashland has 36 police officers and 41 fire paramedics, a staffing level that has been made possible through the support of similar tax levies in the past.

The council reiterated that the revenue from this tax cannot be diverted for other uses; it must be allocated strictly for the purposes outlined to the voters. This commitment to transparency and accountability is crucial as the city prepares to seek voter approval for the renewal.

As the election date approaches, city officials are focused on informing residents about the benefits of this tax renewal, which is vital for sustaining public safety and ensuring that emergency services can respond effectively to community needs. The council's proactive approach aims to secure the necessary support from the electorate to continue providing essential services to the Ashland community.