Kent voters overwhelmingly reject levy to expand police department

KENT, Wash. — Kent is one of the region's fastest growing cities, but officials say the police department hasn't kept up. Citizens have noticed.

“I've been around here about 15 years and it's just, it's changed over the time,” said Terrance Matthews

Proposition A on the Kent ballot would have raised utility taxes by 2 percent.

It would have raised $4.8 million to add 23 more officers to the police force. Officials say, compared to nearby cities, Kent has roughly half the officers per thousand residents.

“Our officers right now are working a significant amount of overtime. Upwards of 16-hour shifts, multiple days in a row without days off,” said Mayor Dana Ralph.

But state property taxes for schools just went up double digits in Kent.

Jim Hobbs voted yes for the increase in police taxes, but understands the no vote.

“Property taxes have really taken the wind out of everything right now. Our property taxes have gone up so much I think we're, and other people I've talked to, it's just too much right now.”

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And the vote came right after the Kent's School Superintendent announced plans to lay off teachers - even though voters had already passed an increase in local school property taxes.

Kent's mayor says that hurt.

“I believe it had a significant impact. The number of emails I received from residents is not only confusing the city with the school district questions about why did your layoff teachers and will you lay off police officers,” said Mayor Ralph.

Kent residents will get another chance to vote a tax increase for police. Mayor Ralph says it will be on either the August or November ballots. And she says there will be NO layoffs of police however that vote turns out.

“I think the police is a good thing, we need more police,” Terrance Matthews emphasized.

Cox Media Group