Downey voters to decide on sales tax increase

The Downey City Council on Tuesday voted to place a quarter-cent sales tax on the November ballot.

The proposed measure, known as the City of Downey Public Safety and Local Control Measure, would require all funds to be locally controlled and spent to benefit Downey residents.

City officials said the additional revenue would be prioritized to support the Downey police and fire departments.

“The Police Department continues to work hard to keep our community safe but similar to other communities in the region, last year saw a five-year high in reported property crimes in Downey and in 2023 there were over a combined 3,100 robberies, burglaries and thefts, including auto thefts,” said Acting Downey Police Chief Scott Loughner.

“An additional source of local revenue will help allow the city to maintain 911 emergency response times and police patrols in neighborhoods and business areas to keep residents and their property safe.”

Downey is one of the few cities in the region to be a full-service city, including having its own police and fire departments.

“If enacted, funding from the measure could help maintain local control of vital services; ensure adequate funding and resources for first responders, parks, road maintenance as well as youth and senior programs; and preserve the highest quality of life in the area,” the city said in a press release.

In a social media post, the Downey Police Officers Association (DPOA) expressed support for the measure but said that Measure S, a half-cent sales tax increased approved by voters in 2016, “failed to meet the promised expectations to improve police services.”

“We are still severely understaffed and poorly equipped,” the statement read. “Hopefully, our new city manager and city council understand the current dire condition of our organization and the need to better retain our seasoned officers and recruit new officers. Our community members deserve a fully staffed police department, especially with the extra funds collected from these measures.

“The DPOA supports our city manager’s commitment to rebuilt and expand our police department to better [serve] our community.”

Over the last seven months, the city engaged over 1,200 residents through community surveys, several community presentations, and interactive community engagement efforts throughout the city, known as the Downey Discussion to gather input about city services, and future spending priorities.