SPARKS — The city of Sparks is searching for six locals who can argue for and against raising local taxes to hire more police. Applications must be turned in to the city clerk’s office by Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Three locals will form a committee to argue for a public safety advisory question that could appear on the November ballot. The other three would compile arguments against the advisory question. The question could potentially read as follows:

“Do you support an increase in the sales tax in Sparks of 1/4 percent for the purpose of hiring and equipping more police officers and police support personnel to better serve and protect the citizens?”

The arguments would then be included with the question if or when it is presented to voters in the November election.

Candidates for the committees must have the availability to work with the Sparks clerk’s office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Additional hours during the week of July 12 will also be required.

Interested individuals should contact the Sparks City Clerk’s Office no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday at 353-2350 or by responding online through a community service application by logging onto www.cityofsparks.us, clicking “Governing,” followed by “Boards/Commissions,” followed by “Volunteer Application.”

The Sparks City Council is expected to vote Monday on whether to ask the state Legislature to include the advisory question on the ballot.