Op-Ed: Support Proposition Police and Fire on April 7

Written by Daniel Pekarek

I am writing today in support of Proposition Police and Fire that will be on the April 7 ballot for Joplin voters. This proposition will result in no tax increase and will provide on-going financial support for future needs of the Joplin Police, Fire and Dispatch operations. Proposition Police and Fire will replace the ½- cent “Prop B” sales tax that was previously approved by voters to fully fund public safety pensions. The highly successful “Prop B” sales tax is expected to reach full funding earlier than expected in 2027.

Some key components of Proposition Police and Fire include adding nine additional police officers, six additional fire fighters and increasing the pay of public safety personnel to improve recruitment and retention. Additional items in the proposition include improving public safety facilities, with the replacement of the obsolete Fire Station 3, modernizing the police firing range and improvements to the Public Safety Training Center. Finally, the proposition includes acquiring badly needed police vehicles and a replacement fire ladder and rescue truck.

In addition to fully funding the public safety pensions, many investments have been made in recent years to assist in the operation of these departments. A new Fire Station 7, replacement of three fire engines, adding additional staff to both police and fire departments as well as other operational improvements have been made. While these improvements have been important to meet the needs of the public safety departments, new challenges are emerging. Public safety staff salaries in Joplin have not kept up with ever-increasing pay in surrounding local and regional communities. Further, increases in demand for services have resulted in severely stretched departments.

Adequately funded public safety departments are key to the growth and vitality of any community. Increased police presence reduces crime. Higher staffing and better equipment in fire departments reduce response time in emergencies. Businesses looking to expand into the community want good police and fire protection. Families looking to move here want a safe community.

Please take a few moments to educate yourself on the benefits of Proposition Police and Fire and Vote Yes on April 7!