GUSTINE – The City Council voted last week to put a public safety tax measure on the November ballot, as expected.

The proposed three-quarter cent sales tax increase would generate about $180,000 in additional revenue each year, earmarked for police and fire safety services, according to City Manager Margaret Silveira.

Local leaders, faced with a budget deficit that has forced them to dip into reserve funds to make up the shortfall this year, had previously discussed asking voters to approve the tax measure and formalized that decision last week.

Simple majority approval will be required to enact the new tax, officials said at last week’s council meeting.

Public sentiment toward the idea appeared mixed, based on more than two dozen responses the city received to a recent mailer, but the majority of those sharing an opinion expressed opposition to the idea of the tax.

A number voiced concerns about public safety in general and gangs specifically.

Some indicated they were willing to pay the tax.

“If we need to pay more for services, I’ll pay the price,” one respondent wrote.

“I think a sales tax is fair,” another responded. “Everyone pays, not just property owners.”

Others urged city officials to live within their budget without turning to the public for more tax dollars.

“Enough is enough. Cut back on expenses,” one wrote. “I do not want to pay more taxes.”

“We don’t need more taxes, just better use of our resources,” another declared. “Stop spending money we don’t have.”

Voters in the city will have the final say on Nov. 4 when they go to the polls.