Joplin Chamber of Commerce officially endorsed the proposed property tax increase

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to endorse Proposition Public Safety, which will appear on ballots in Joplin on August 2. A yes vote on Prop Public Safety would improve funding for Joplin’s police and fire services through a proposed property tax increase.

If voted into law the bill would improve funding for police and fire with money brought in from the proposed property tax increase. This increase would cost the average person an extra $32.08 a month or an extra $385 annually.

With the increase of funds the JPD is expected to be able to hire up to 22 new officers, and hire up to 3 new police staffers such as dispatchers. The Joplin Fire department is expected to be able to hire 15 new firefighters for the new fire station that will be built in the industrial park off 30th street in Joplin. Joplin fire will also be able to hire more staff for current fire stations and new deputy fire marshal.

Joplin Mayor Doug Lawson previously stated his support for the bill saying, “it’s the best way we got to get better bolster our police and fire”