In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, the Albany City Council agreed to ask voters in November to renew a five-year public safety tax levy at the current rate.

That rate, which has been in effect since 2003, is 95 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value. The current levy expires June 30, 2007.

The measure would raise about $13.22 million over the five years, with about $2.4 million coming in 2008-09. The amount steadily increases over the ensuing years: $2.5 million in 2009-10; $2.6 million in 2010-11; $2.8 million in 2011-12; and $2.9 million in 2012-13.

The city plans to use the tax revenue to pay for six firefighter/EMTs hired to staff an additional ambulance; a deputy fire marshal and a fire life/safety educator who would manage fire prevention and public education programs.

Other funds would pay for a police dispatcher; a crime analyst; four police officers; three civilian community service workers, whose duties would allow police officers to be more available for emergencies; and equipment and training related to all of the positions.

Tax money also would continue to help cover inflationary operating costs for the police and fire departments.

Last spring in a 4-2 vote, councilors set the tax amount at $1.40. But then in June, City Manager Wes Hare recommended lowering the rate to 95 cents to improve the chance of passage.

He said then that competition on the November ballot from an Albany School District construction and bond measure and a Linn County law enforcement levy encouraged him to suggest the lower tax rate.