OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- There may soon be another way to fund public safety in Oklahoma.
The Senate Appropriations Committee at the Oklahoma Capitol advanced a bill that could raise property taxes. The money would then be used for police and fire departments.
The proceeds would be used for equipment, salaries and benefits of police officers and fire fighters.
"The most important thing is that you have to remember is, it is a vote of the people, let the people decide,” said Republican senator David Holt.
Some say it's a much needed change that would greatly benefit local police departments.
“We’re 200 officers short and, if passed, this would be a tool to help meet that shortfall or that gap,” said Fraternal Order of Police Vice President Mark Nelson.
It the bill makes its way onto the ballot during a general election, voters would be able to decide whether or not they want to pay more in property taxes.
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