Vote 'Yes' on Proposition 1

It got our attention when the Utah Taxpayers Association threw its support behind a $125 million bond issue for a new public safety complex in Salt Lake City back in September. That spoke volumes about the legitimate need to replace the inadequate 1950s-era structure at 315 E. 200 South that Howard Stephenson, president of the taxpayer group, has described as an "embarrassment to our community."

He's right. Salt Lake public safety workers deserve working conditions that enhance their ability to serve and protect the state's capital city. Salt Lake voters should support their efforts by voting "Yes" on Proposition 1 on Tuesday, Nov. 3 (early voting already is under way).

The proposed $125 million bond would cover construction and equipment costs for an administrative building and a separate communications/emergency operations center. A final location for the complex has not yet been determined, although the preferred location appears to be the Barnes Bank Block, one block east of Library Square.

This bond will require a property tax increase of $75 a year for a home valued at approximately $261,000. This is a considerable commitment for city property owners, but unlike a number of bond issues Salt Lakers have approved in past years, public safety is a basic function of city government. This complex will serve the city's fire, police and emergency response needs for decades to come. It is a necessary investment.

The existing Public Safety Building, completed in 1957, was designed to house 275 employees. It now houses 500 police and fire employees.

Aside from space limitations that have moved aspects of some operations off-site (including police dogs), the roof leaks, the sewer has leaked, elevators are unreliable and the parking lot is crumbling. The cost of maintaining, operating and paying utility bills is about $650,000 a year, roughly 70 percent higher than other similar buildings in the city.

It is unacceptable to expect Salt Lake public safety employees to continue to work under conditions that could hamper their response to emergency situations, particularly when they are responsible for providing police and fire protection to a city that is home to an international airport, the state's center of commerce and headquarters of an international church.

Salt Lake residents should back their city's public safety workers by voting "Yes" on Proposition 1 on Election Day.