The Hollister Police Officers Association voted June 25 to officially endorse an extension of the city’s general fund sales tax. The vote came two weeks after the Hollister Fire Fighters Union voted to pursue a public safety tax of their own and come out against the general fund sales tax extension.
The HPOA donated $6,000 to the Campaign for Hollister. Measure is the ballot measure to extend the existing 1 percent general fund sales tax.
“We understand that the Hollister Fire Fighters Union has elected to pursue an alternative public safety tax measure,” wrote David Anderson, the president of the Hollister Police Officers Association, in a press release. “While we are open to alternative solutions, which could include a public safety tax measure, at this time we remain committed to the Measure E sales tax extension. We believe Measure E offers the greatest opportunity for the City of Hollister to maintain all of the existing city services that are important to the members of our community.”
In the letter, Anderson said the department as 22 sworn police officer positions. He said recommended staffing levels of 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents, the city would have need a total of 54 officers to meet the recommended level.
“It is vitally important, for the safety of the community and the safety of our officers, that our current staffing levels be maintained,” Anderson wrote.
