The municipalities of Franklin and Baldwin are asking voters for the same thing on the Dec. 7 election ballot: more funding for their police and fire departments. 

Both towns in St. Mary Parish are asking voters to vote yes on a 1 cent sales tax that would be dedicated solely for salaries, equipment maintenance for police and fire departments in both areas. 

For the City of Franklin, proponents say the tax is needed to remain competitive with neighboring salaries and will increase the pay for police officers and firefighters in Franklin. 

Maintaining and improving fire equipment like fire trucks will also help the town get a better fire rating which goes a long way for any municipal fire department. The tax would bring in an estimated $1.3 million annually to Franklin city government if approved. 

If approved, the Franklin Police Department will use the funding for officer salaries, officer training, vehicle upkeep and the expensive equipment like dash cameras and body cameras that are essential to any modern police department. 

“The dedicated 1% sales tax plan for the police department is designed to recruit and retain officers through attractive salaries,” according to a prepared statement from the Franklin Police Department. “Recruitment and retention creates a safe and secure community while providing a desirable environment in which we all can live.  It shall also allow for the replacement of outdated equipment and generate training opportunities for all levels within the police department.”

“The cost to provide staffing and equipment to sufficiently fund the police and fire department has risen significantly over the past 20 years,” Mayor Eugene Foulcard said. “This dedicated 1% sales tax will ensure sufficient fire and police department revenue while easing the financial burden on City assets that sustain and support community services.”

The same goes for the Town of Baldwin, which will use the additional funding for maintaining equipment and people for the Baldwin Police Department and Baldwin Volunteer Fire Department. The tax is expected to bring in an estimated $180,000 annually to the town if approved.