Dickinson weighs one percent sales tax for public safety funding

DICKINSON — At the upcoming Dickinson City Commission meeting, commissioners and city staff will discuss a 1 percent increase to the city’s sales tax.

According to a memo from City Administrator Dustin Dassinger to commissioners, funds received by the tax would be put toward public safety services in both Dickinson and Stark County, including law enforcement, fire, EMS and emergency management.

In the memo, Dassinger argued the tax was necessary because public safety costs are rising faster than current city revenue sources.

“In recent years, the demand for public safety services has increased, while the costs of personnel, equipment, facilities and technology have continued to rise. Current revenue sources are stretched and do not adequately address long-term operational and capital