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In the past 10 years Middletown's income tax revenues have remained more or less the same, with the 2007 revenues being the lowest since 1998, yet public safety expenditures have risen. The last public safety levy the city tried to pass was voted down at a 60 to 40 ratio. The city has come back again, asking for a smaller levy, and tried to clearly outline exactly what the money will go towards.
Since 2000 violent crime in Middletown has risen by 44%, while the number of active police officers in the city have dropped from 93 to 80. There have also been an increase in emergency calls for the Fire Department while cutting back on active staff, and with Middletown Regional Hospital relocating to the east end of Middletown it will result in longer runs for the department as well.
Middletown currently has a 1.50% income tax. If the 0.25% increase passes we will still have a lower rate than both Hamilton and Dayton.