(Joplin, MO) – Public safety in the is a significant priority for all communities. This summer, citizens in the City of Joplin will consider whether they agree with the status quo or improvements for the Joplin Police and Fire Departments when they vote on August 2, 2022.
Proposition Public Safety is an effort to improve funding for Police and Fire services within the community, which will help offer stability and consistency for these departments for a S.A.F.E.R. Joplin. Committee members are using the acronym S.A.F.E.R. to help explain the proposition identifying it as focusing on key elements it addresses as Safer, Accountable, Financial, Economic Development, and Recruitment and Retention.
Citizens are invited to learn more about this initiative during a Public Meeting from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 20 at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 South Joplin Avenue. Attendees can talk with Joplin Police Chief Sloan Rowland and Fire Chief Gerald Ezell along with members of the Citizens Committee for Proposition Public Safety and other City officials about this important question. The meeting will provide the opportunity for citizens to ask questions about this proposal before voting on this important community question on August 2. Informational handouts will also be provided during the meeting.
Citizens will vote on Proposition Public Safety on August 2 on whether they support a property tax to grow and support public safety services in our community. The proposed tax will levy a $1.00 tax for every $100 of assessed value on all real and personal property, leading to a S.A.F.E.R community. Property tax revenue will improve salaries for public safety, as well as provide funding for additional police officers and firefighters.
Along with the City, both the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27, and the Joplin Professional Firefighters Local 59 agree on these improvements as everyone works together to solve for a SAFER Joplin.
A SAFER Joplin is focused on Service. Unfortunately, with recent trends and higher wages in the private sector, the number of people seeking careers in law enforcement and firefighting is declining, creating a challenge to provide these essential services for our community.
A SAFER Joplin is being Accountable. Our firefighters and police officers are responsible for critical services that the private sector does not offer. They are proud to be the stewards in roles of this magnitude.
A SAFER Joplin utilizes Financial resources responsibly. Joplin is near the top of the sales tax limit. We currently have a 17-cent property tax – which is restricted to Health, Parks, and Recycling services only. Assessing a general property tax lessens the reliance on economy-driven sales tax revenues while providing a resource to fund critical public safety services.
A SAFER Joplin seeks Economic Development opportunities for our community. Those looking to invest or relocate to Joplin expect protection not only for themselves but their loved ones, their property, and the community as a whole.
A SAFER Joplin Recruits and Retains public safety personnel. We value the significance of public safety services with competitive pay and positive working conditions to provide quality essential services to our community.
More information will be available at the public meeting and can also be found on the City’s website and at the Safer Joplin website.
Reference:
Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org
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