The Courier of Montgomery County reports that a new district to aid in supporting law enforcement through funding was recently created by Montgomery city officials because of forseen growth. The idea behind it is to fund salaries, equipment and a state-of-the-art facility for first responders.
During a May 28th board meeting, the Crime Control and Prevention District was created. According to Mayor Sara Countryman, the idea isn’t new. Back in the 90’s, Jersey village created a district. She said officials were trying to figure out ways to finance another facility because, as the population grows, it continues to outgrow the present city hall building. The police department and city staff share the building.
In referring to the economic development corporation, Countryman said, “They’re sitting on a good substantial amount of cash.” And, she said if they could take some of those funds and utilize it toward a crime prevention district, it would help fund a police station, salaries and equipment.
The city’s website says that within the city limits, the Development Corporation gets a half cent sales tax. The Crime and Control Prevention District would get half of that, or ¼ of a percent.
In 2023, according to Countryman, the Economic Development Corporation took in $1.2 million. Using that model each, entity would receive $600,000.
Countryman said redirecting money that they have already collected would be better than a bond or raising people’s taxes.
The board is made up of 10 members. Board members include the police chief, mayor, city administrator, a few councilmembers, a resident and two other police agency officials.
Countryman said that in November voters would still be required to approve reallocating sales tax revenue to the district.
