Facing firefighter and police shortage, Gilroy weighs sales tax ballot measure

In an effort to combat a decade of stagnant staffing for firefighters and police officers, Gilroy City Council has decided to move ahead with a ballot measure that would increase the sales tax a quarter percent to pay for public safety. “I generally oppose tax increases across the board,” said Mayor Marie Blankley after Monday night’s council meeting. “But when I know that there is no revenue stream coming in to help us with public safety, and I feel as strongly as I do about public safety. I gotta …...