PANEL TO FORM BLOCK WATCH FUNDING RULES
Byline: The Arizona Republic
A citizens committee will draw up guidelines on who qualifies for tax dollars earmarked
for neighborhood Block Watch programs, a Phoenix City Council panel decided Wednesday.
The public-safety subcommittee endorsed the concept despite a legal opinion that narrowly defines Block Watch, making it possible that some community organizations that provide youth services may not be eligible.
Proposition 301, a voter-approved measure to boost fire and police services through a 0.1 percent sales-tax hike, also was sold as a plan to fund services that promote safety and help disadvantaged youths.
Richard Fox, one of the Proposition 301 leaders and who will sit on the citizens committee, said he'll fight to ensure that ''no groups are excluded'' from the minigrants.
''I would encourage that no one get excited or angry just yet, because this is an evolving process,'' he said. ''I think the city took the narrow definition of Block Watch because of legal constraints, but we can be creative and make sure everyone gets to participate.''