Faced with looming budget cuts in 2010, city of Castle Rock officials are asking residents to approve a first-ever police levy to help soften the blow.

The police department is the largest chunk of the city’s general fund — accounting for more than 50 percent of the costs and six of the city’s 14 employees. Because of its size, the department most likely faces cuts in the 2010 budget. (Many public works employees are paid with other funds, so cutting their positions wouldn’t help balance the ailing general fund budget).

To forestall police cuts, the City Council authorized the public safety levy and have put it up for a vote in the Aug. 18 primary election.

If the $250,000 measure passes, it would cover some but not all police costs. It would, though, help free up general fund dollars for other city services and departments, according to the city.

The one-year levy would cost the owner of a $150,000 home $312 a year in taxes. It requires a 60 percent supermajority to pass.

The city recently received a federal stimulus grant to cover one officer’s salary for three years with the requirement the city pay for the post in the fourth year. City officials plan to use the money to retain a current officer, Chief Bob Heuer said.

The grant does not solve the city’s budget woes or pay all the police costs, Heuer said. Instead, the grant means that if police officers must be cut, one less would lose his job. It does not guarantee there won’t be other cuts in the department, he said.

The city was recently cited by state auditors for not making enough cuts in its 2009 budget. Officials say more cuts await in 2010 as the stalled economy reduces city revenues.

City officials said they wanted to give residents a chance to save police service before making those cuts, even though they know times are tough.

Ballots were mailed out last week and must be postmarked by Aug. 18. They also can be dropped off at one of several ballot collection sites, including one at Cowlitz Street and First Avenue SW near Hattie’s Restaurant in Castle Rock, by 8 p.m. on election day.