Voters in St. Louis will soon be asked to weigh in on a half-cent sales tax increase that would be used to give police officers a raise.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the special election's timing could make its passage a challenge, as St. Louis police are currently facing criticism and lawsuits over their handling of recent protests. The protests followed last month's acquittal of a former St. Louis officer who fatally shot a man.
Protesters allege officers use heavy-handed tactics during demonstrations, but police officials last week denied violating protesters' rights.
Mayor Lyda Krewson says investing money in police officers is key to bettering the department. The sales tax increase would also trigger an increase in the business use tax, which will bring money that Krewson wants spent on crime prevention.