Racine referendum, $2M for officers, crime prevention put to voters

RACINE, Wis. - Should Racine property taxes go up to hire more police officers? The Common Council voted Tuesday night, May 31, to put the referendum on the August ballot.

City leaders say this is about addressing the uptick in violence. Compared to this point in 2021, homicides have doubled and "shots fired" calls are up 42%. Police say the solution is $2 million worth of help annually, and now, it's up to voters to decide.

With the city on pace for its most violent year in half a decade, Racine Mayor Cory Mason asked the city's Common Council to send a public safety referendum to voters.

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"Our community is hurting, and it's bleeding badly," said Alder Melissa Kaprelian.

The city would spend $2 million to hire, train and equip 11 new police officers and start violence prevention programs. The expense would then increase by $125,000 each year to cover rising costs.

"Hiring more police officers allows us, the Racine Police Department, to engage in community policing and more proactive policing strategies," said Assistant Chief Alex Ramirez. 

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To pay for that, the city proposes raising its property tax levy by 3.53%. For a $100,000 home, that's a tax increase of $53 per year, according to the city's budget director.

It's a proposal some alders say is worthwhile.

"If people value it, they're going to pay for it, so I really don't see another way than a referendum," said Alder Melissa Lemke.

Others criticized the referendum. Alder Henry Perez, a former police officer, said the city should prioritize public safety right now.

"We have to consider that feel-good things are important, but there's no people that'll be around to enjoy the feel-good things because it's so dangerous," said Perez. 

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This tax levy increase would be permanent and start in 2023 if passed. Voters will decide in the Aug. 9 primary.