From the Northwest Indiana Times:
"Merrillville Police Chief Joseph Petruch estimates the town would need to generate an additional $1 million each year to hire 10 more officers.
Those funds would cover salaries, benefits, vehicles, fuel and other equipment for each officer, Petruch said.
They also would help the department take a more proactive approach toward addressing crime, he said.
Petruch supports a proposal for a property tax referendum to increase funding for the Police Department.
Clerk-Treasurer Eugene Guernsey said additional funding generated from a property tax increase would be used to hire more officers and provide raises for Merrillville police.
Town leaders have been gathering information for the referendum, but figures for a possible property tax increase haven't been developed."
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/merrillville/merrillville-police-chief-supports-referendum/article_a2d20f83-984d-5e76-a8fc-ad0021db5d91.html#ixzz1owYiJcDL
