Tax to Finance New Police Facility Gets on Ballot

Monrovia residents will vote April 14 on a municipal tax to finance a new police headquarters.

The City Council approved the ballot measure unanimously at a special meeting Monday. If passed, it will add $4.50 to monthly water bills for the next 28 years and cost business owners an 83% surcharge on their license fees.

The $9-million police facility would be built at Ivy and Lime avenues. The current police station, built in 1961, is overcrowded and not earthquake-safe. Mayor Robert Bartlett said he is confident that voters will approve the tax if they are made aware that they will get better police service.

Last June, a similar measure failed by 123 votes to reach the required two-thirds majority for passage. The current proposal will pass if approved by a simple majority because it is structured as a general tax.