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Vote On Proposed Detroit Police Tax Not Likely

DETROIT (WWJ) - A public safety millage in Detroit is facing a rough road to the November ballot.

A majority of City Council members appear to be ready to reject the Board of Police Commission's request to put a 9-mill tax increase before the voters.

Council President Charles Pugh says that's a hefty burden for Detroit taxpayers.

"And I understand the intent of it -- you want your family to be safe. And there are other pots of money that can be used for that ..." Pugh said.

Councilman Ken Cockrel is also opposed.

"I don't support it either, and I think it's really a question not of lack of funding, but it's more a question of lack of an effective plan  for how we police the city," said Cockrel. "I think that that's what we need. We're not gonna fix this problem by throwing more money at it."

The proposed tax would cost the owner of a $50,000 house about $250 a year.

Council is expected to vote on putting the millage request on the ballot before summer recess.

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