Voters asked to renew 0.5% income tax for Mansfield police, fire
Mansfield residents will be asked to approve a four-year, 0.5% income tax issue to benefit the police and fire departments on the May 2 primary election.
The issue is a renewal and not a new tax. Last year, the tax generated nearly $8.9 million.
The income tax has been around since 1988. It would generate money starting Jan. 1, 2024, and ending Dec. 27, 2027.
Mansfield firefighters stayed busy in 2022, with 2,074 fire-related calls and 10,130 emergency medical service calls, officials said.
Mansfield police Chief Keith Porch said the police handled 30,111 calls for service, 3,383 arrests, 3,863 summons, and 1,491 accidents in 2022. Robberies and burglaries decreased by 33.3 and 6.8%, respectively.
"The Safety Levy has always been critical to the operations of the PD since its inception in 1988 covering personnel costs. The continuing passage and strong support of the Safety Levy since 1988 clearly shows the priorities citizens of this city have placed on safety which is much appreciated," Porch said. "The passage of the upcoming safety levy will ensure the services you receive from the PD will not be interrupted or delayed. Only residents earning a wage will pay this tax. Social Security is NOT taxed, Pensions are NOT taxed, and Investment income is NOT taxed. We need your help to maintain and preserve the current level of safety service."
Mansfield Finance Director Linn Steward said Fund 214 Safety Services including police, fire and dispatch has a 2023 operating budget of $29,951,403. The capital budget is $694,400, for a grand total of $30,645,803.
Mansfield fire Chief Steve Strickling said citizens have supported the safety forces in Mansfield.
"And we're very happy with the support. Any loss of the safety tax would be devastating to the safety forces," Strickling said.
lwhitmir@gannett.com
419-521-7223
Twitter: @LWhitmir
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Last year, the 0.5% income tax generated nearly $8.9 million.
