Opponents of the three-eight’s cent sales tax devoted to public safety have raised questions about how the money will be used if the tax passes on May 9.
On the Oldies 101.3 morning show Wednesday, host Greg Horne read the ballot title which specifically specifies that the funds will be for the police and fire departments.
Police Chief Denise Richardson, who was a guest on the show, talked about that tax.
She said her support is based on No. 1, the department’s needs are increasing and No. 2, she does not want spread across different departments of the city. She went on to say that she doesn’t want the money collected to replace the budget the city has already set aside for the police department but to enhance that budget.
“We understand that over time the city is going to have to make changes to the budget expect that, but just not all at once,” Richardson said.
Horne asked Richardson if the tax passes, would some of it or all of it be used for salaries and recruitment and she answered this way.
Richardson went on to say the department has things they want to do with the money if the tax passes.
