Grove Asking Voters To Approve Sales Tax Increase For New Fire And Police Stations

The City of Grove is asking voters to approve a .6 percent sales tax increase.

If passed, the money would go on to build new fire and police stations.

"Right now, literally some of our street supervisors work out of what would be considered a closet; we just don't have any space," said Police Chief Mark Morris. 

For every 100 dollars spent, that's a 60-cent increase. 

Police Chief Mark Morris says the current police station was built in the 80s, and the new space would give the public more access to the department, plus give the officers much-needed room. 

"Everyone knows we're in a great need for the facilities; that's not the question, so the question then becomes how do we pay for those facilities, and this is an avenue we would be able to pay for the facilities," he said.

Over at the fire department, Captain Roman Steed says they're out of space. 

"It'll be a modern station; this is actually just a metal building that was built in 87," he said.

They have a roof that leaks, some of the trucks have to be parked outside, and there are no separate bunk areas for men and women. 

"We'll be able to take care of our equipment better, train better, better response, we'll keep more personnel here, things like that," Steed said.

Voters denied a property tax increase last year, but the city is trying again with a sales tax increase. 

Steed says no matter the outcome of the vote, they'll continue to serve the city. 

"10 years ago, this place was sufficient for the population and what was going on, and the city has just outgrown the police station and the fire station as far as space and personnel," he said.

The election will be held on January 9th.