In May, voters in Gahanna will consider an income tax increase proposal that could determine whether the police department will face potential layoffs. Supporters of Issue 12 said in recent years, the police force has shrunk from 61 to 55 police officers.
Carrin Wester with the group "Gahanna Residents Improving Tomorrow" said she believes the time has come for voters to say yes.
"The rate hasn't increased since 1976. Gerald Ford was president. It's been a very long time," Wester said.
Voters will decide whether to approve a proposed income tax increase from one and a half percent to two and a half percent. The ballot language will also include an increase of a tax credit to 100 percent. Wester said that credit would benefit residents who don't work in Gahanna, but pay income tax to another municipality.
"For many, I think it's estimated at 14,000 residents, you actually owe less taxes," said Wester.
Wester said 75 percent of the income tax increase would pay for capital improvements, including improvements to streets and buildings and public park facilities. The remaining 25 percent would, in part, help pay for police protection.
Gahanna currently employs 55 police officers, compared to the city of Westerville, which employs 76 officers. Wester pointed out that Westerville is home to about 4,000 more residents than Gahanna, but said the disparity between comparable communities should concern people living in Gahanna.
Wester said residents deserve safe neighborhoods and fast response times from police.
"The building block of any thriving community is safety, and when I hear officers are going to be cut in 2020, as a resident with kids in the community, that's a scary thought," said Wester. "That's a deal breaker. I don't want to live in a community that's known for not being able to put officers on the street."