Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Provides Information on April 8 Ballot Measure

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Provides Information on April 8 Ballot Measure

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency and community education. With the upcoming April 8, 2025, election, a county-wide ballot measure titled Proposition SAFE Community will appear for voters to consider. This release is intended to provide factual information about what the proposition involves and how it would affect public safety operations in Lincoln County.

What is Proposition SAFE Community? 

Proposition SAFE Community proposes a one-half of one percent (½%) county-wide sales tax to provide stable, long-term funding for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. This tax would apply to all taxable sales within the county. If approved, the revenue generated would be dedicated specifically to the Sheriff’s Office to support ongoing operations and capital needs.

Why is this being proposed? 

For decades, the Sheriff’s Office has relied heavily on revenue from federal inmate housing contracts. Due to changes in federal policy, that revenue has significantly declined—creating a substantial funding gap that can no longer be sustained without an alternative revenue source.

What would the funds be used for? Funds generated by the sales tax would be used to:

• Maintain and improve 911 emergency response and patrol services
• Support the hiring and retention of qualified deputies and correctional staff
• Expand and sustain the School Resource Officer (SRO) program
• Establish a county-wide Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center
• Replace aging vehicles and equipment
• Ensure compliance with safety and staffing standards at the Lincoln County Jail
• Maintain public safety across over 600 square miles of the county

Financial Oversight 

If approved, the revenue from Proposition SAFE Community would be governed under Missouri statutes and restricted exclusively to use by the Sheriff’s Office. Annual audits, County Commission oversight, and public reporting would ensure full transparency in how the funds are allocated and spent.

Additional Information 

This release is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to support or oppose the measure. The Sheriff’s Office encourages all residents to seek out factual information and participate in the democratic process by being informed and prepared ahead of the April 8, 2025 election.

For more information, please contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 636-528-8546 or visit our website at https://www.lincolncomo.gov/sheriff-office.