Proposition 1 sparks debate less than two weeks before election

The Columbia Police Association said the city needs more officers, and less than two weeks before the election, they said Proposition 1 could be the fix. It would increase local property taxes to pay for more police. Opponents are crying foul, saying a tax increase isn’t the answer.

Those pushing for the passage of Proposition 1 on November 4 said it’s the only way to lessen the burden on an understaffed police force. “Every officer on duty is already busy with a call, and there’s no one available to respond to anything else,” said Dale Roberts, executive director for The Columbia Police Officers’ Association.

Proposition 1 would increase the city property tax rate by 6 cents per $100 of assessed property value each year for five years. The city would use the money to hire around 40 police officers and 15 firefighters. Those against the proposition said taxes shouldn’t be raised to hire more personnel. “It’s just a matter of allocating the police officers where there is crime. It’s not about increasing the police force. It’s just about allocating the officers better,” said Chris White for Keep Columbia Free.

Proposition 1 will be on this year’s election ballot. Election Day in Missouri is on Tuesday, November 4.