SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – City officials in Spokane Valley are emphasizing the importance of adding more deputies to keep up with the community’s growth.
The upcoming election on August 5 will feature Proposition 1, which was approved for the ballot by a 6-1 vote. City leaders have noted the increasing call volume as the population grows.
A recent study conducted to determine the appropriate staffing level recommended the addition of 31 new positions. The proposed measure would fund 10 of these positions.
Voters will decide whether to approve a 0.1% sales tax increase, equivalent to a penny for every ten dollars spent. City leaders estimate this could generate $2.6 million annually to fund the hiring of 10 new officers.
“The city of Spokane Valley has not raised property taxes in 16 years. They’ve been very prudent in how they how they budget and how they operate,” stated a Chief Dave Ellis.
Ellis highlighted the benefits of increased staffing, saying it would reduce response times and enhance crime investigations.
“One of the most important things about being able to add additional officers is to be able to reduce our response time,” Ellis said.
Currently, the department is using technology like “cameras on wheels” to maximize resources. The outcome of the August 5 ballots will determine if voters support investing more in public safety.
“This is really a chance for voters to decide: do they want an increase in public safety in Spokane Valley?” Ellis emphasized.
