With the approval of Proposition 478 on November 5, Prescott residents can expect improvements in public safety. The measure includes a sales tax increase that will fund an upgrade to fire and police facilities, as outlined in the Mayor's monthly letter. A message of gratitude came from the top — "thank you, on behalf of our entire City staff and elected officials, to the voters who understand the critical need to upgrade our facilities and improve emergency response times."
What does this Proposition victory mean for locals? Starting April 1, 2025, sales tax will increase by 0.95%. After the capital improvements are completed, the rate will be reduced to 0.75%, no later than December 31, 2035. While this is a temporary increase, it is part of a long-term plan to support the city's growth and ensure its public safety services keep up with that expansion.
The next steps are clear. By the end of this year, proposed locations for new fire stations will be revealed. Planning is set to begin in early 2025, with construction expected to start in the latter half of that year. These won't be just new stations; existing ones will also be upgraded to improve functionality, safety, and health for our first responders. The goal is to have the new facilities fully operational, with all staff in place, by July 1, 2028. According to Fire Chief Holger Durre, as mentioned in the Mayor's letter, there is also a plan to bring in six new recruits for the Spring 2025 training academy.
What's more, both the fire and police departments will have the necessary funding and staffing as each new facility opens. This initiative isn't just about building new stations; it's about improving emergency response efficiency and strengthening public safety with a well-equipped team of responders. The project is supported by a commitment to transparency, with a new OpenGov software platform set to launch in early 2025. This will allow anyone with internet access to track how taxpayer dollars are being spent. As the Mayor stated, the goal is to create a "safer Prescott," as stated in the Mayor's letter.
As the holiday season approaches, residents are encouraged to enjoy the lights around Courthouse Plaza and support local businesses during their holiday shopping. In his December message, the Mayor offered well-wishes for a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a Happy Hanukkah to the Jewish community. Prescott is also moving forward with efforts to enhance safety and civic transparency.
