Prop 407 explained

You’ve seen the signs for Proposition 407, which is endorsed by Police and Firemen, but what is the measure all about? “Proposition 407 is a proposed point 3 percent increase for the sales tax in the city of Yuma”, said Yuma spokesperson Dave Nash. The city says Prop 407 will serve as a temporary alternative to raising your property taxes and will help repair city streets. “Part time residents, seasonal workers are a large part of our population especially in the winter months who were not paying that particular tax [property tax] but were driving on these roads that were falling apart”, said Nash. The word tax is something you don’t like to hear but in this case the money would go even further than just fixing roads, there’s a reason why the Fraternal Order of Police and United Yuma Firemen’s Association are stepping forward and endorsing this measure, “Your yes vote could help replace an aging 911 system help communication systems and training and retention of firefighters”, said Political Director of the United Yuma Firemen’s Association David Padilla. The Fraternal Order of Police says it has been difficult to retain Yuma Police Department officers recently. So far this year they say YPD has lost 35 officers, a 20% loss, making this proposition that much more important for police. The city says it will create a new pay plan to retain these officers. “Now it’s longer wait times for service because there simply isn’t anyone available to respond so it would help out alot retaining employees getting the officers to stay here”, said Sgt. Egan. We spoke with several residents who are willing to pay more in support of first responders. “They help out alot for the community and if we pitched in a little more we would get better satisfaction from the people I think it would really help out”, said Yuma resident Hector Martinez Rubio.

If passed the measure would not go into effect until January 1st, 2017.

“So what a great trade off for just cents on a 10 dollar purchase you can help keep yuma streets safe keep the fire department and police department well trained and still pay below the national average in sales tax”