Liberty voters chose to fund police, fire departments through tax increase

LIBERTY, Mo. (KCTV) - Police and firefighters in Liberty will soon get raises, thanks to thousands of voters across the city.

Liberty voters approved a question to increase its general sales tax by one percent during the April 8 election. The tax is expected to raise millions of dollars to pay for public safety issues in the city.

In addition to $6 million that will be used for raises in the two departments, the tax will also fund a new police facility.

In the past, some supporters of the tax, including Mayor Greg Canuteson said there are thousands of people who visit Liberty every day. Canuteson said that by passing a sales tax, visitors who also use city services will help pay for them.