"This tax literally has a chance to save lives in this community. (It) would make us a survivable Gilroy," said Steven Hayes, president of the Gilroy Firefighters Association.
"The number of firefighters and police has virtually remained unchanged over the last decade. Meanwhile, the city has grown by about 15 percent, and Gilroy firefighters respond to 77% more calls than in 2012," city staff noted.
"The proposed ballot measure, approved at a June council meeting, would bring local sales tax up to 9.375%, with exceptions for groceries and prescription drugs," highlighting the tax's specific terms.
"Two of the current fire stations need to be updated to be safe in the event of an earthquake, with one analysis concluding that the fire stations could collapse on a fire engine," according to former fire chief Jim Wyatt.
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