Monroe measure to support police services passing

MONROE — A measure that would add one-tenth of 1 percent to Monroe’s sales tax to support police services appeared to be passing Tuesday night.

Preliminary ballot counts showed the measure with 949 yes votes and 577 no votes. It needs a simple majority to pass.

Ballots will continue to be tallied for the next few days.

“It’s just a preliminary, but we’re pleased to see what we’re seeing so far,” said Monroe police spokeswoman Debbie Willis, who was at a National Night Out event. “We’ve always had such a tremendous support from our community. We’re hoping that the results will keep coming in as the first results have shown.”

If it passes, the

http:/www.heraldnet.com/article/20130722/NEWS01/707229961/0/SEARCH”>new levy would generate an estimated $309,353 in annual revenue, according to police estimates. State law would require Monroe to transfer about $46,400 of that to Snohomish County government. The rest would go toward the city’s crime and justice needs.

Police Chief Tim Quenzer has previously said he’d use the money to hire two more police officers. Some also could be used for equipment and to support large-scale investigations, such as DNA testing in homicide cases.

Monroe has 29 funded commissioned police officer positions, not including the chief and deputy chief. Six unfunded positions are vacant.

The Monroe police budget for 2013 is $5.2 million. If voters approve the sale tax increase, its collection would start in January.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

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