City e-mail contradicts Prop 2 supporters

An e-mail from Jefferson City's administrator appears to contradict a claim by Proposition 2 supporters that no funds in the Fire Department's budget would be diverted to other city departments.

The e-mail has angered one council member, who said it is "grounds for being let go."

The proposition, which is on today's ballot, would eliminate a 9.61-cent property tax that currently funds firefighter pensions and raise the city sales tax by a quarter-cent, for a net gain of $27.5 million over the 15-year tax. Opponents of the issue have suggested the city would divert money currently in the Fire Department's budget for other uses, a notion that Prop 2 supporters have vehemently denied.

But in an e-mail sent at 5:29 p.m. Friday to city employees, City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus said: "The only option that we have to add much needed personnel and equipment throughout the City is to reduce the amounts of general revenue we are paying to fund the fire department.

"The money which is presently spent on these items will be available for increased funding for all general fund purposes. This is probably our only realistic option right now to address the needs of all departments."