Funds would be directed to police department staffing, equipment

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

The city of Wheaton is seeking to pass a new sales tax on April 7, a one-cent tax aimed at bolstering funding for the Wheaton Police Department.

Clint Danforth, Wheaton police chief, said staffing and equipment would be the main expenditures.

“My goals are to help keep officers here, because our pay levels are so low,” he said. “I’m hoping maybe we can raise our pay up a little bit, then find somebody who wants to stay here and not just come to train and leave for a better paying job. We would just like to provide more coverage for the city if possible.”

Danforth is the only employee at the department currently, and his pay is at about $22 per hour. Danforth said his former part-time employee was making about $16 per hour. Danforth, who works 40 hours per week, said if passed, the funds would afford pay raises for him and for new staff. He hopes to get a part-time officer with whom he could split shifts and provide more hours of having an on-duty officer in the city.

“Other than [staffing], we’d like to put more toward equipment, training, vehicles and so on,” Danforth said. “There are things we’d like to upgrade and things may come across, like body armor for protection.”

The Wheaton Police Department is currently supported by the city’s general fund, In 2025, the city brought in $98,895.89 from its two sales taxes, general and transportation. Another one-cent tax should net about $70,000. The city also generated $16,430 from its use tax, which goes into the general fund.

Additionally, Wheaton has a motor fuel tax that goes to streets, earning a penny per gallon sold at the two gas stations in city limits.

Danforth said he hopes the residents of the city have seen improvements in crime rates and will support the department.

“I hope the residents come together and understand what’s important,” he said. “Our crime levels are lower than what they have been. So, we’re doing our part to keep our city safe.”

Voters may have their say on the measure on April 7.