Jackson plans to hire more cops with use-tax funds

As the April 5 election approaches, the city of Jackson's public-information campaign has gotten into full swing to ensure voters know what they're deciding when they vote on a proposed use tax.

The proposed tax would apply to goods bought out-of-state and would be an extension of an existing tax on out-of-state vehicle, boat and trailer purchases.

The city anticipates the use tax, if it is approved, would apply mostly to businesses. The tax would likely be paid largely on purchases for the businesses' consumption; not items for resale.

Since the ballot measure initially was proposed, the funds have been intended to bolster public safety services. But the information campaign has begun to articulate what that might mean.

In a presentation before the Board of Aldermen last week, Callie Miller and Emily Elliott, representatives from BOLD Marketing firm, explained the context their campaign would provide.

Jackson's population of 14,000 and 26 percent growth rate have combined to put undue strain on the police department, they said.

At current levels, the police department has 11 commissioned officers available for patrol duty. For two-thirds of patrol shifts, there are only two officers available to respond.

This, the city contends, is not enough for the more than 9,000 service calls the department receives annually. The nationwide standard for commissioned officers with patrol duty in communities of similar size is 15.

If the use tax passes, estimates from the Cape Girardeau County Treasurer indicate it would bring in several hundred thousand dollars. When combined with the passage of the existing tax, the police department would be able to add up to three new police officers and provide an additional resource officer for the Jackson school system, which has two officers.

The funds also would be used for miscellaneous operational improvements.

Although the city's campaign is only informational, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce has advocated in favor of the measure's passage. The chamber is using print advertisements, email campaigns and radio spots to support it and even has hosted a town hall meeting.

"I believe it's the job of the Chamber of Commerce to promote the vote yes on this initiative," said Jackson Chamber of Commerce executive director Brian Gerau. "We don't want to incentivize anyone to go out of state."

He said the initiative also enjoys the support of Jackson school district superintendent John Link.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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