Columbia city leaders kicked off a series of community meetings Thursday to discuss Proposition 1, a proposed one-percent public safety sales tax on the Aug. 4 ballot.
If approved, the tax would fund additional staffing, equipment and facility improvements for the city’s police and fire departments.
Officials say the measure could generate about $38 million in new revenue.
During Thursday’s meeting, one resident questioned whether more funding alone would solve police hiring and retention challenges.
Police Chief Jill Schlude agreed pay isn’t the only factor but said competitive salaries are essential for recruiting officers.
Five more community meetings are scheduled before Election Day.