Curry County commissioners signal support to place five-year law enforcement levy on ballot amid staffing concerns

Curry County commissioners on Dec. 4 signaled they would allow a citizen-driven five-year law enforcement levy to go before voters, following a presentation that proposed using levy revenues to fund five patrol deputies, two dispatchers and one sergeant and a public comment period that included union backing and resident concern.

The levy plan presented to the board would replace certain general-fund support for the sheriff’s office and carry a five-year sunset. An organizer told commissioners the ballot measure was designed to ask for a lower rate than a previous proposal and that supporters would lead outreach to educate voters. The board did not take a formal vote to place the measure on the ballot during the meeting; several commissioners said they supported moving the question forward and described a consensus in favor but noted the formal vote was not on the published agenda.

Why it matters: Commissioners and community members framed the levy as a way to shore up public safety and relieve strain on dispatch and patrol staffing in a county that has seen recent layoffs and recruitment challenges. Opponents warned that a property tax levy would raise costs for residents and…