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Fourth time a charm for Phoenix? By PAUL FATTIG PHOENIX -- Voters overwhelming endorsed three similar tax levies in the last 18 months to restore cuts in the city's emergency services. But each time the measure died because voter turnout fell below the 50 percent required by law. Now, thanks to an exception allowed under the 1996 law that imposed the so-called double majority, city officials are optimistic the measure will pass on the Nov. 3 ballot. "Since we don't have to have the double majority, we are," said Mayor Larry Parducci. "I think the people really understand the need for this." At issue is a five-year operating local option tax of $1.72 per $1,000 of assessed valuation which would raise $214,332 the first year, followed by $223,865 the second, $233,812 the third, $244,211 the fourth and $255,062 the final year. The cost to the owner of a $100,000 home is estimated to be $172 per year. With levy approval, one full-time and one half-time police officer and one emergency medical technician/firefighter would be added to the municipal payroll. Approval would also allow the hiring of half-time clerk for city hall, replacement of aging police cruisers and fire department vehicles and updating of computer and phone systems. Since the statewide approval of a property-tax limitation that slashed city revenues, Phoenix's police and fire departments have been hampered by lack of personnel, officials said. The police department has five officers, including the chief, while the fire department has a chief and two full-time firefighters. The city now has three patrol cars, albeit they each have more than 139,000 miles. "They are very tired," Parducci said, adding that city officials have located two replacements in Las Vegas that are available for about $9,000 for both. Each car has less than 50,000 miles, he said. Oregon voters in May rejected Measure 53, which would have eliminated a 50-percent voter turnout requirement for tax measures. Other than in general elections in even-numbered years, tax measures still require that at least 50 percent of registered voters participate. Although Parducci is optimistic, he plans to help get out the vote. "A lot of people didn't vote in the last election," he said. "Now they are talking about a less-than-average turnout. I hope we can get out those who voted for it last time." Voters will also be asked to decide the fate of a proposed city charter revision giving them a voice in future growth. If voters approve a rewrite of the city's 1990 charter, Phoenix would become the 16th city in Oregon to allow a vote of the people on land annexations. Talent and Rogue River are currently the only Southern Oregon cities with voter annexation. Other major changes in the charter include placing authority over appointive officers with the council rather than the mayor, change the method by which council and mayoral vacancies are filled and redefine the powers and duties of the municipal court and judge. Mail Tribune Copyright � interRogue & The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA