Prop 2 Supporters: Funding needs real, will affect quality of service

Opponents: Existing funding for firefighters is sufficient

On Tuesday, voters will decide whether to approve a proposed dedicated sales tax for the Jefferson City Fire Department, but some say the department is doing fine with the funds it already has.

Opponents of Proposition 2 have indicated they believe the Fire Department provides service well enough as it is and does not need the excess funding, while supporters of the tax say the department cannot afford better equipment and continued training without additional funding.

The proposed quarter-cent sales tax would sunset in 15 years and is anticipated to raise more than $41 million for the department to provide equipment, training, vehicles, and help fund station replacements and renovations.

If approved, funds from the tax would be broken down as follows:

Pick up our newspaper or log onto our e-Edition for Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, to read summaries of the projects and services the tax is proposed to fund.