Residents asked to boost police funding
AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Next month, voters in Airway Heights will have the chance to decide on a proposed levy lid lift that could significantly impact local policing efforts. The levy aims to address the challenges posed by the city’s rapid growth, but opinions are divided.
The proposed increase of $1 per $1,000 in property value would help fund four new police officers and upgrade outdated equipment, including patrol cars. The city council approved the proposal for the Aug. 6 primary election, highlighting the need for enhanced public safety resources.
Police Chief Brad Richmond highlighted the strain on the department due to the increased number of calls. “We’re completely reactive in nature; we are not able to do any proactive policing whatsoever due to the number of calls,” Richmond said. “Our calls have increased 133% in the last five years.
Richmond emphasized how the addition of four new officers would change department operations. “I think prevention and presence. We’ll have more officers out on the street. Our level of engagement with our calls for service will allow them to spend more time on community calls,” he stated. Currently, calls for violence are prioritized over other calls, impacting response times for non-violent incidents.
The chief also explained plans to tackle the fentanyl crisis. “We have our community course, our therapeutic course, and we will have people to help those with substance use disorder. We can proactively go against the drug traffickers, which are harming,” he said. The department is also expanding its K9 unit to address drug trafficking more effectively.
“We have positive feedback. We’ve invested in our community, we’re getting positive feedback from them, and we’re educating our community,” Richmond shared. Events like the upcoming one at Dairy Queen aim to further engage and inform residents about public safety efforts.
Richmond outlined the current $4.9 million budget and areas where levy funds would be directed. “Police officers, patrol cars—our patrol cars have aged out, and they are costing more than they are worth in maintenance and repairs. We want to invest in a more robust vehicle replacement program, but currently, we don’t have the funds,” he explained. The funds would also enhance technology and safety programs.
Richmond highlighted initiatives like the Police Adventure League to build trust with the community. “We’ve engaged at every level with our community, with our YES Officers, to engage and build trust with our underserved community members,” he said.
Residents like Dan Gier, who has lived in Airway Heights for over 17 years, are concerned about the frequency of tax hikes. “With the Cheney school tax hike, the sales tax hike, and every two years, the city, county, or school district is asking for a tax hike. I’m tired of it,” Gier said. He fears the proposed tax increase will lead to higher rent for those renting in the city.
Danol Lane, also a long-time resident, agrees. “The growth should be funding our public safety! Families are struggling as it is,” he commented. Lane believes that the influx of low-income housing and businesses has contributed to a rise in crime.
Ileia Wells, who frequently visits Airway Heights, expressed frustration over the cost of living. “Auto parts and food costs at local grocery stores are a few bucks higher than Spokane. You can’t hike up taxes when the note is carried by single-family homes that aren’t being built as fast as the apartments,” Wells said.
Not everyone opposes the levy. Christa Connolly, who regularly attends city council meetings, argues that Airway Heights’ property tax rates are among the lowest in the county. “Even if the proposed levy gets approved, Airway Heights will still be lower than almost every city in the county, and that money will go toward staffing public safety positions,” Connolly said.
Carol Lacambra, a resident since 2000, supports the levy, citing the need for better-staffed emergency services. “With growth comes crime, medical calls, fires. We need a better-staffed police and fire department,” Lacambra stated.
Brianna Gibson, a member of the local Facebook group Airway Heights and Neighbors News, is worried about housing costs. “My rent has increased 43% in four years, yet my wages haven’t increased at that rate,” Gibson said.
Voters will make their voices heard on Aug. 6.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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