A special municipal election will be held Sept. 10 to allow the public to determine the future of proposed utility franchise fees which would fund the expansion of the Fort Dodge Police Department from 40 officers to 48.

The scheduling of the special election for “Case for 8” was approved unanimously by the Fort Dodge City Council Monday evening.

If approved, the fees would be 5 percent levies added to the electric and gas bills of MidAmerican Energy customers. The revenue from these proposed fees, an estimated $2.4 million annually, would be used to pay for increasing the Police Department from its current staffing of 40 officers to 48 officers, including four officers (one assigned per shift), three Community Action Team (CAT) members, and one general crime detective to be added to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“As our community continues to grow under the guidance of our leaders, our police department needs to grow with it,” said Fort Dodge Police Chief Dennis Quinn. “The additional officers would provide significantly more flexibility within strategy and schedules, enhanced police coverage community-wide, an even larger presence at community events and improved proactive policing for our neighborhoods.

According to Quinn, adding one additional detective to the CID will enhance the Police Department’s crime-solving efforts while reducing the need to pull officers from other divisions.

The members of the CAT would be tasked with focusing on the root criminal activity happening in Fort Dodge. The team of three would be composed of veteran officers who would focus on building community relationships and eliminating criminal behavior.

“The CAT will also allow patrol officers to dedicate more time to responding to calls in addition to their normal patrol activities by taking on some of the case follow-up responsibilities that patrol currently has to balance between their normal day-to-day calls for service,” added Quinn.

The four additional officers to be added to patrol shifts, according to Quinn, would “help apply pressure to criminals, allow for time to help our troubled residents and create opportunities for police to interact positively with the public.”

If Case for 8 passes the September special election, the 5 percent levies would be a net increase of $3.68 per month on average residential electric bills and $3.18 per month on average residential gas bills, according to figures provided by the city. The current 1 percent local option sales tax levied on gas and electric bills would be eliminated.

“Adding the eight additional officers creates opportunities for stopping crime before it happens,” said Quinn.

“By making all of Fort Dodge safer, this aids with the recruitment of new workers and families into our community and businesses, retains the great employees already calling Fort Dodge home and creates an upward trend for safety, business growth, and a stronger overall community,” added Assistant City Manager Ryan Maehl. “Safety builds a better Fort Dodge.”

At Monday’s city council meeting, Carol Etzel of Fort Dodge, voiced her concern about the five percent levies on electric and gas bills.

“I know of many senior citizens who are having trouble with bills right now,” said Etzel. “I want more police. I know that there are very few days that they’re at full force, but I feel that 5 percent is a lot, especially when senior citizens only got a 3 percent raise.”

Councilman Kim Alstott added that the average yearly fee for customers is anticipated to total between $80 and $90.

Earlier this year, the City Council reviewed the franchise fee proposal and after two approvals on Jan. 22 and Feb. 12, received a petition signed by more than 900 citizens to put the final decision to a vote before the residents of Fort Dodge.

“We have heard and continue to hear of the significant support from residents and businesses for the Fort Dodge Police Department and that an increase in public safety is needed and prudent,” said Maehl. “An already tight budget and new constraints from state legislation make adding additional officers nearly impossible. After years of review and budget evaluations trying to make it work, this franchise fee is the only tool available that will allow the increased public safety that citizens are asking for.”

Richard Higgins, who authored the petition, questioned at Monday’s meeting the change to fully funding eight positions with the Police Department. It differed from what Higgins had stated the petitioners wanted.

“Your petition wasn’t changed,” explained Mayor Matt Bemrich. “Your petition was to put it on the ballot. The council has the prerogative to change the use of that funding and determined it best spent with 100 percent going to the Police Department.”

“What your petition did was to say that the council couldn’t pass (the previous proposal) at council table,” said Mark Crimmins, attorney for the city. “They have the ability to change the proposal. Any new changes like this have to be put to a vote before the citizens, and that’s what the council is doing.”

The special municipal election will be held Sept. 10.

The City of Fort Dodge said they will continue to provide additional information on the Case for 8 on their Facebook page and also encouraged residents to attend civic group meetings with city staff who will answer questions from the public.