Kearney police chief seeks half‑cent public‑safety sales tax; board asks staff to draft ordinance

Police Chief Mark Thomas told the Kearney Board of Aldermen that the police department needs a dedicated local revenue source to fund officer training, additional school resource officers, a community engagement officer and updated equipment, and asked the board to consider placing a half‑cent sales tax for public safety on an upcoming ballot.

"We can accomplish this with a half cent sales tax dedicated to public safety," Chief Thomas said during a presentation titled "Safer, Stronger Kearney," outlining proposed uses that exceed the department's current budget. He described a mix of training upgrades (tactical squad training and live range days), a community engagement officer to coordinate outreach and events, and additional SROs for schools.

Thomas cited recruitment and staffing details in the presentation: the department recently had two vacancies and four applicants and the two newest officers began work the day of the meeting. He also referenced SafeWise rankings to show historical placement in statewide safety lists (Kearney was ranked 10th in Missouri in 2021 and 12th in February 2022, and was not listed in the top 10 as of February 2024) and said improving that metric would require increased funding.

Board discussion included praise for the department's community policing and an acknowledgment of budget constraints. The mayor noted his long‑standing priority to fully fund the police department and said he supported pursuing options for dedicated public safety funding. The mayor then asked the chief to work with the city administrator to produce ordinance language for the board’s consideration at a future meeting, signaling majority consensus but not recording a formal vote.

Chief Thomas emphasized that many of the requested items — expanded live training, new positions for community engagement and specialized enforcement or investigative roles, and technology upgrades such as body‑camera integration with reporting tools — are beyond current budget allowances and that existing grants have been maximized but do not cover recurring needs.