Vancouver residents reject Police Services Levy, city seeks new solutions

City of Vancouver residents rejected Proposition 4, the Police Services Levy., the city announced in a press release on Tuesday.

Proposition 4 would have funded additional sworn police officers, non-sworn police positions, efficiency-enhancing technologies, facility expenses, and costs related to police staff and services, including the impact of additional staffing on jail, corrections, and public defense, officials say.

The proposition was curated by the 13-member Police Advisory Committee of Vancouver residents and convened by the City Manager.

The Mayor of Vancouver, Anne McEnerny-Ogle, expressed her discontentment about the failed levy but still says public safety for Vancouver citizens is still a top priority.

“While we are disappointed that Proposition 4 did not pass, we understand that public safety continues to be a priority for our community,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “We remain committed to identifying solutions to ensure the safety and security of our community.”

City leaders say their next step is to analyze why election results didn’t reflect the communities’ support. Then their next step is finding a solution with some alterations to the city’s current plan.

“Although this did not pass, the community indicated underlying support. We will seek to understand why people may have chosen to vote no and see if there may be a path forward with some adjustments to our plans,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn.

Vancouver’s Interim Police Chief Troy Price shared a statement with KATU about the levy failing to pass:

Although the Police Services Levy Proposition 4 did not pass I want to personally thank the members of the Police Community Advisory Committee for the dedication of time, thoughtful consideration and recommendation of this levy and the Vancouver City Council for their support to present this to voters in Vancouver”, said Interim Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price. “I also respect our democracy, our ability to have voices heard through the casting of votes. Despite Prop 4 not passing, I want to assure the residents of Vancouver that the Vancouver Police Department remains committed to the safety of our city and dedicated to our core function which is Patrol response to 9-1-1 calls for service. Over the course of the next few months, the department, along with City leadership, will be looking at what services over time may need to be reduced while our population increases and the police department staffing remains the same. Your continued support will be needed as we navigate into the future”.

In the meantime, city officials say they have to determine what services need to be reduced to address their police staffing issue.

“Over the next few months, the department and City leadership will be looking at what services over time may need to be reduced while our population increases and the police department staffing remains the same. Your continued support will be needed as we navigate into the future.”

https://katu.com/news/local/vancouver-residents-reject-police-services-levy-city-seeks-new-solutions

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Author: KATU News
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News post in at: November 14, 2024, 3:02 am.

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