Commission approves tax to fund Newberry policing

County Commissioners unanimously approved a tax Tuesday for Newberry residents that will help fund law enforcement within the city's boundaries.

The tax will provide money to pay for services provided by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.

Newberry does not have its own police department, and it has been receiving services from the Sheriff's Office for free.

The law enforcement assistance that Newberry has received has been funded by tax dollars from other Alachua County residents who reside in cities such as Gainesville, High Springs and Waldo, County Commissioner Rodney Long said after the meeting.