SULTAN – The future of a new radio communications system and an increased police force is up to voters in next week’s election.
There are two propositions on the ballot that will pay for Sultan’s part in a countywide switch to new emergency radio system, two additional officers and an administrative clerk.
Proposition 1 is a bond to pay for new radios, other equipment and officer training for the 800-megahertz radio system. The city’s cost for the system is about $400,000.
“We don’t have the money to pay for it. We’ve been working for years to come up with an alternative but we can’t find one,” Chief Fred Walser said.
Eventually, the county’s dispatch service will no longer operate on the current VHF radios, and police and fire agencies throughout Snohomish County are converting to the new 800-megahertz system.
Dispatchers use the system to send firefighters and police officers to residents who call 911. It also allows emergency workers to communicate directly with each other during incidents.
“If we don’t have the new system we won’t be able to get police to our door. I don’t know what we’ll do if it doesn’t pass,” said Marlene Wilson, who belongs to Concerned Citizens for Public Safety.
“I know people out here can’t afford the taxes, but this is vital,” she added.
The 20-year bond comes out to 12 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. A resident with a $200,000 house would see an added $24 a year.
The second proposition is a special one-year maintenance and operation levy to pay for two police officers and a records clerk.
The positions were eliminated during budget cuts in 2002, Walser said.
The additional positions would allow for two officers on duty around the clock, increasing the force from eight to 10 officers.
Last year, there were 10,749 calls for service, not including the stops officers initiated without someone calling 911, Walser said.
The proposition is asking for about 81 cents per $1,000 assessed property value.
Someone with a $200,000 house would pay about $162 more a year.
The department would likely ask for the special levy for the next three years, Walser said.
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