Less than 24 hours after a fight on Walnut Street in downtown Columbia prompted a large police response, city leaders are answering questions about whether a proposed public safety sales tax would make a difference in similar situations.
Columbia voters will decide next week whether to approve Proposition 1, a one-percent public safety sales tax aimed at funding police and fire services.
City leaders say the measure would generate about $38 million a year to hire more officers and firefighters, upgrade equipment, and improve public safety facilities.
Police Chief Jill Schlude reportedly says without the additional funding, the department could face cuts and continue struggling with staffing shortages.
Mayor Barbara Buffaloe reportedly says no public safety cuts are currently planned, but if the measure fails, the city may have to reduce other services to help balance its budget.