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Proposition P Will Be Removed From April Ballot

Proposition P, which would have introduced a new sales tax dedicated to law enforcement in Crawford County, will not be on the April ballot.

Acting upon the request of Crawford County Sheriff Darin Layman, commissioners voted Tuesday to seek a court order in striking it.

The proposition has already been certified by the Secretary of State’s office, but removal should come at little cost since the ballots have not been printed.

Layman said he has a “clear understanding” of where his department is financially, which he didn’t have prior to a meeting with County Clerk John Martin. Layman said he met with Martin January 27 to review the budget.

“I think it would just be a better financial move for us as a county to continue with the current sales tax that we have,” Layman said. “I’m not saying it won’t be needed in the future, but after looking at numbers, I think we can sustain through our jail funds and housing of federal inmates for a substantial period of time, at least for a five-year period.”

County voters backed a general revenue sales tax increase last April that has already paid immense dividends. The county has been able to tackle its deficit, pass a balanced budget, set aside money for reserve and purchase new software.

Layman said it’s not the time to burden residents with more taxes.

The county’s general revenue sales tax increase runs through December 31, 2023. If it is not extended by a vote of the people, Layman said it could necessitate re-introducing Proposition P. 

“That’s a discussion to be had at that time,” he said. “Right now, the county is solvent and in a good place.”

Layman’s jail budget is projected to bring in more than $2.7 million in revenue, with an additional $912,571 from rollover funds. Big increases are budgeted for revenue generated from federal prison housing and Gasconade County prisoner housing.

The county paid out $800,995.49 in jail staff salary last year, but the budget has increased to $1.085 million.

Proposition P was introduced January 15 and 60 percent of the revenue would have gone to the sheriff’s department. Police departments in Bourbon, Cuba, Sullivan and Steelville would have received 10 percent each. 

Layman said he has spoken with other municipalities and there was some disappointment that it will be removed.

“I have to look out for the county’s best financial interests,” he said.

Sullivan Independent News

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