Brier police levy fails; officials warn current staffing is not sustainable
EVERETT — Voters have rejected a public safety levy lid lift to support the Brier Police Department, leaving city officials warning that current staffing levels are not sustainable.
Proposition 1 failed in the April 22 special election, with 58% of voters opposed and 42% in favor, according to preliminary results. About 41% of the city’s 5,077 registered voters cast ballots. Votes are expected to be certified on May 2.
The measure sought to raise the city’s property tax rate from $0.57821 to $1.07821 per $1,000 of assessed value, generating about $1.1 million annually to fund two new patrol sergeant positions and stabilize the city’s budget.
Without new revenue, Brier faces a $500,000 annual deficit that could leave the general fund in the red by 2029, City Clerk-Treasurer Paula Swisher said.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/brier-police-levy-fails-officials-warn-current-staffing-is-not-sustainable/