The city of Black Diamond has placed a public safety levy on the April 27 ballot and Police Chief Jamey Kiblinger said passing the measure is critical.

The proposition failed by 11 votes in the November 2009 general election, and supporters are hoping the second time around will be the charm.

According to the chief, the levy, Proposition No. 1, which reinstates the current levy, will fund police, fire and emergency services.

It will be a mail only election and requires a simple majority to pass.

The levy is expected to bring in about $450,000, based upon the 2009 figures.

The proposition authorizes the city to collect a property tax rate of $2.57 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The levy funds the city’s contract with Mountain View Fire and Rescue. According to Kiblinger, the city must honor the contract as written with Mountain View, which means if the levy fails cuts will come from the police.

The levy partially funds the services for police and fire, and the balance is made up from the general fund. The chief said the city’s police force is currently down to nine. A commander was laid off in August of 2009 and two more officers later in the year.

A fully staffed police department for Black Diamond is 12, according to the chief.

Kiblinger said if the levy fails four more officers will be laid off bringing the police force to five.

“How do I cover the streets of the city with that force?” Kiblinger said. “If the numbers of officers go down, crime goes up.”

A pro-levy committee has scheduled a fundraising and question and answer event for 6:30 p.m. Monday at Mama’s Steak and Pasta restaurant at 24306 Roberts Drive, Black Diamond.