“Our department of public safety deserves a lot better than that. “
After a briefing on department needs and a tour of the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety headquarters, City Council member Karen Lowe [said]:
“I was sad and a little ashamed”
To pay for repairs, upgrades and operations City Manager Ashley Latsch is proposing a 2-mill tax increase dedicated to public safety.
“Over time our needs have not been addressed. Now is the time to proceed with an ask to our voters.”
Latsch says revenue from the tax increase will deal with deterioration and deficiencies at Public Safety headquarters, add a decontamination area for officers, and replace a fire truck.
“Our over 20-year-old ladder truck at an anticipated cost of over 3-million dollars”
The city manager proposes the council add the public safety millage to the November ballot. All council members and Mayor Bob Monetza say they support the idea.
“Asking the voters to help out with an additional millage I think is perfectly reasonable. We do need this help.”
And council member Lowe thinks voters will approve the public safety tax increase.
“If the citizens of Grand Haven see what you all are dealing with I’m confident they are going to support this millage.”
