Residents of Morrison will vote next month on whether to build up their police force. The November 6th ballot includes a referendum for a "Police Protection Tax."
Morrison Police Chief Brian Melton says his biggest need is more officers.
"Current trends, crime rate, our annually increasing calls for service, just the demand placed on our police department. You know, we're just at a point now where we need more officers to basically take care of the daily demand." said Melton.
This has been a need for the department since 2010, when an officer retired and wasn't replaced.
According to Chief Melton, if it passes the referendum would raise property taxes for a 100,000 dollar home by 50 dollars a year.
He says another officer would move the Morrison police department one step closer to the regional average of one officer per every 500 residents. His city currently has one officer for every 700.
Community forums to learn more about the referendum will be held on Wednesday, October 17th and Tuesday, October 23rd at the Odell Library at 6:30 pm.