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Board sends 0.5% public-safety sales tax to April ballot; chief estimates about $900,000/year
Summary
The Board approved placing a 0.5% public-safety sales tax on the April 8, 2025 municipal ballot; Police Chief Mark Thomas said retailers would not collect until Oct. 1, 2025 if approved and estimated roughly $900,000 per year in revenue based on other jurisdictions' experience.
Police Chief Mark Thomas presented an ordinance directing the city clerk to place a 0.5% sales-tax proposition on the April 8, 2025 municipal ballot to fund public-safety services. Thomas told the board the tax would not apply to utilities, gasoline or prescription drugs, would begin collection by retailers on Oct. 1, 2025 if voters approve, and carries a multi-decade sunset provision (chief said 25 years in the presentation). He cited an estimated annual yield near $900,000 based on comparisons with the fire department's earlier ballot and similar jurisdictions.
Aldermen asked about public education and outreach; Chief Thomas said the city would convene a committee to help present facts to the public and that staff planned community outreach, including meetings and informational sessions. After presentation and two readings the board voted unanimously to approve the ordinance to submit the ballot question to voters. The measure will appear on the April 8, 2025 municipal ballot if city staff and the clerk complete the required notices.
