SPARKS — The Sparks City Council on Monday voted 4-1 to use its one bill draft request (BDR) to ask the Nevada Legislature in 2011 to enact a 0.25 percent sales tax increase in the city to pay for more police officers.

Councilman Ron Schmitt was the lone vote against using the BDR to ask for the increase, which is estimated to raise $3.5 million, enabling the city to pay the salaries of an additional 25 officers. Schmitt had previously voiced his opposition on the grounds that the funds might later be used for another purpose if the city’s budget troubles continue.

Though the BDR must be completed in September, city voters in November will weigh in on an advisory question stating whether or not they support the additional tax and its use for law enforcement.

In other business, the City Council approved a contract with local marketing firm KPS|3 in the amount of $44,500 for the design of a new city website, including a mobile device design.

The current website is antiquated and difficult for users to find information, according to city staff reports. Funding for the redesign will come from the city’s tourism and marketing budget, which is derived from hotel room taxes and can only be spent on marketing and tourism related projects.

The City Council also approved the purchase of a 2010 Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle from Lenco Industries Inc. at a cost of $308,201. The vehicle will be used by the Sparks Police Department as an assault vehicle for the SWAT team. The council also approved the purchase by the Sparks Fire Department of hydraulic rescue tools from Municipal Emergency Services Inc. at a cost of $45,010 using a grant from the Nevada Department of Public Safety. 

Finally, Councilwoman Julia Ratti presented a proclamation in honor of Recreation and Parks Month, celebrating the importance of municipal parks and recreation programs.