Police officer, firefighter unions endorse Measure I-24
– The Paso Robles Police Officers Association and the Paso Robles Professional Firefighters Association have endorsed Measure I-24, urging residents to vote in favor of the tax measure.
Measure I-24, a continuation of Measure E-12, maintains the current 1/2 cent sales tax, which is set to expire this year. Since its implementation in 2012, Measure E-12 has generated over $78 million, funding 44 road repair, maintenance, and reconstruction projects across Paso Robles. However, city staff estimate that $350 million in deferred road repairs still remain.
In 2020, voters approved Measure J-20, a general tax that currently provides approximately $11 million annually for police, fire, and streets maintenance. The funds help support 15 fire personnel, 27 police officers and support staff, and various public safety capital projects.
According to the unions, if Measure I-24 is not passed, road maintenance will continue, but funding may be sourced from Measure J-20, which could result in cuts to police and fire department staffing and resources.
Measure I-24 does not propose a new tax but would extend the existing one. The unions emphasized that tourists also contribute to sales tax revenue, alleviating some financial pressure from local residents.
Both the Paso Robles Police Officers Association and the Paso Robles Professional Firefighters Association are urging the public to vote “yes” on Measure I-24 to support road maintenance and public safety without increasing taxes.
