HAYDEN: Public safety question

Thank you Coeur d’Alene Press for publishing the upcoming election ballot in the paper for our review before election day.

I found it very interesting that the city of Hayden has been supporting the proposed tax increase for additional law enforcement to protect the citizens of Hayden. When you read the ballot, it only references a tax increase and does not state it has to be used for increase of law enforcement. Basically, as it is written, the increase will go into the general fund and can be used for any budget line item. Why doesn’t the ballot reference an increase in law enforcement?

RONDA MITCHELL

Hayden

Editor’s note: The ballot language does specify law enforcement needs. Here’s an excerpt directly from the ballot: “…and becoming the new base budget amount thereafter, to provide for the law enforcement needs of the City of Hayden…”