Warren tax would beef up police and fire staffing, officials say

August 2, 2016 at 8:38p.m.

WARREN

About 10 additional police officers will be hired if Warren City Council puts a half-percent income-tax increase on the November ballot and the public approves it, but some 10 officers will be laid off without the tax, city officials said Tuesday.

Safety-Service Director Enzo Cantalamessa told council members and about 30 members of the public at a special meeting about the tax that eight to 12 police officers and eight to 12 firefighters would be added if the tax is approved.

The city would also use $1.3 million of the new revenue to reduce the shortfall in the operating budget and use $1 million to start and maintain a road-maintenance program, Cantalamessa said.

Police Chief Eric Merkel said he believes about 10 would have to be laid off without the tax, which would “require a major restructure.”

“We would definitely have to change the services we provide,” he added.