Last October, voters in the city approved a quarter-cent public-safety tax. As a result, sales taxes will rise from 5.8125 cents on the dollar to 6.0625 cents.

"The public voted to tax themselves more because they wished, apparently, for the city to spend more money on public safety," said Gail Reese, chief financial officer for Mayor Martin Chavez. "That they are willing to pay more taxes, I think, sends a message about how important public safety is perceived."

The tax is expected to raise about $26 million annually. During the first year of the tax, $2.44 million of the revenue will be used for addiction treatment and $1.86 million will be earmarked for mental-health services.

In addition, the tax will be used to boost the city's police and fire departments. According to the Chavez administration, the funds will pay for 45 new police officers, 45 additional firefighters, 85 patrol cars, 39 non-patrol cars, and other police equipment.