Grand Rapids Police look forward after referendum fails - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

On Election Day, the people of Grand Rapids made their voices heard.

About 75 percent of voters said ‘no' to a tax increase that would have allowed the police department to hire 3 new officers.

"It would have been good for, like, the cops and the community, but if it didn't pass, I mean, I don't know how much crime is in the area," said Grant Exner of Grand Rapids.

Town officials had said this would help them handle an increasing workload, and some people agreed with that.

"I think it's a minimal tax increase for the benefits it would have. For $75 a year to know that you have a full time force, and if you have a problem, that they will get to you right away and that you won't have to wait," said Scott Stainbrook of Grand Rapids.

But the proposal failed.

Still – Grand Rapids Police officials don't seem too disappointed.

They say the purpose of the referendum was to see if they community is satisfied with police presence in the area.

"I think that the reasons it didn't pass were it does cost a little bit of money. Plus, it could be that the town citizens are happy with the coverage that they have now," said Sgt. Brandon Christianson, Grand Rapids Police Department.

Police say people shouldn't worry that the referendum didn't pass.

"Still continue to provide the town with the same services as best that we can. The department is going to look internally to see if there are changes that we can do to help with adjusting to the caseload," said Christianson.

While the police look into changes, people in the town will not have to plan on a tax increase.

Grand Rapids Police say they'll also continue to rely on the Wood County Sheriff's Department for help with certain cases.