In her first interview since the proposed three-eighth cent sales tax for public safety was defeated, Pine Bluff Police Chief Denise Richardson said she was “very disappointed” that the tax failed by 20 votes.
Richardson was a guest on the Oldies 1013 morning show and host Greg Horne said that while Richardson openly supported the proposed tax, members of both the Police and Fire Departments didn’t really get behind the tax and publicly support it and asked her thoughts on that.
Richardson went on to say that some of the people who opposed the tax do not even live in the city and could not vote on the tax.
She said that while grants are good for the department, to get ahead, sustained funding is necessary. “I hope it comes back up and I hope it passes,” she said.
Horne then said that the ballot title was very clear, the money was for the police and fire departments.
