Law Enforcement Jobs Could Be At Risk If Measure R Fails In Merced County

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — A public safety sales tax in Merced County is looking like it won't get the votes needed to pass.

If passed, Measure R would add a half-cent sales tax, generating $25 million annually over 30 years.

So far, it seems to be falling short of the two-thirds vote needed to pass.

If the measure fails, that means local law enforcement could lose staff.

"It's a very strong possibility when they call 911, they're not going to get an answer," said Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke. "I don't know what we're going to do. We're going to do everything we can. We're not going to stop, but some of these calls, we're going to say 'Sorry, we're not going to be able to send anybody.' That's the harsh reality."

Despite current upgrades happening at the prison, Sherriff Warnke warns that without personnel, it'll just sit empty.

"All these people that are wandering around and committing crimes, well, they could be arrested but they are immediately released and they're going to continue committing crimes until they're incarcerated," said Sheriff Warnke.

Fire stations could also be on the chopping block in towns like Los Palos, Gustine, and Livingston.

Over a month ago, the City of Livingston took matters into its own hands by putting a citywide one percent tax on the ballot.

"For us, it was a matter of life and death. The county has to make a decision whatever they think it is, but when you tell a community of 15,000 that your nearest help is going to be to up to 15 minutes away, we cannot just sit back and let that happen," explained Mayor Pro Tem Gurpal Samra.

Samra says the city now plans to transition financially away from the county.

"We, the city citizens of Livingston, will control and decide how to best fund our fire station and our police services," said Samra.

This measure a result of budgeting woes at the county level.

If it doesn't pass, the Merced County Board of Supervisors says they have to go back to the drawing board.

"Unfortunately, I don't see a plan not just talking about it. I think we could've done more as a board and as residents of this county," said Merced County Supervisor Rodrigo Espinosa.

As it stands now, Livingston's sales tax increase is looking favorable to pass.

Samra says the city will bring a committee together to monitor these funds as soon as the new council is seated.