In a recent interview with KQKI News, Baldwin Mayor Clarence Vappie, Fire Chief Rickey Cook, and Police Chief Anthony Gibson discussed the upcoming vote on a proposed one-cent sales tax aimed at bolstering public safety in the town. The tax, which will appear on the December 7th ballot, is projected to generate up to $180,000 annually, with funds dedicated solely to supporting the Police and Fire Departments.
“It’s a dedicated tax solely to benefit the Police Department and Fire Department for public safety,” Mayor Vappie said.
The additional revenue could provide much-needed relief to the town’s general fund, which currently bears the financial burden of funding public safety services. Importantly, the tax revenue would be earmarked specifically for the Police and Fire Departments, ensuring that it could not be diverted to other purposes.
For the Fire Department, the influx of funds could lead to the hiring of additional part-time staff to ensure greater coverage during daytime hours, when volunteer firefighters are typically unavailable due to work commitments. The funding could also be used to upgrade outdated equipment, such as firetrucks, and replace expired fire hoses. While grants from organizations like Planes Pipeline and BNSF Railroad have provided some support, Chief Cook noted that the sales tax revenue would offer a more reliable source of funding for these critical needs.
Upgrading the town’s firefighting capabilities could have the added benefit of improving Baldwin’s fire rating, which could in turn lead to lower property insurance rates for residents.
The Police Department also stands to gain significantly from the proposed tax. Police Chief Gibson highlighted the need for more officers, updated police units, and potentially even renovations to the police station, which was damaged in a fire several years ago. The current fleet of police vehicles is around seven to eight years old, with high mileage. Hiring two to four additional officers would increase the police presence in the community, enhancing safety and visibility.
If the tax is approved, officers could also expect a pay increase, making the Baldwin Police Department more competitive with neighboring jurisdictions in terms of recruitment and retention.
Mayor Vappie emphasized that he has tasked both the Police and Fire Chiefs with researching salaries at similar municipalities to ensure that Baldwin is competitive in attracting and retaining top talent. Fortunately, the Fire Department benefits from having a volunteer fire chief, which helps to conserve funds.
The proposed sales tax has the potential to make a significant positive impact on public safety in Baldwin, from hiring more first responders to upgrading critical equipment. By dedicating funds directly to the Police and Fire Departments, the town can address pressing needs and enhance the overall safety and wellbeing of the community.
Early voting for the proposed sales tax begins on Friday, November 22, and will continue through Saturday, November 30. Regardless of how residents plan to vote, town officials urge everyone to exercise their right to participate in this important decision.