Stoddard County seeks voter approval for permanent sales tax to fund infrastructure and public safety

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis is pictured signing a prepared order of the county commission stating agreement to the following ballot wording

By SHERMAN SMITH

Contributing Writer

BLOOMFIELD — Stoddard County officials moved in a special meeting Thursday, Jan. 23, to seek a permanent sales tax from residents.

District I Associate Commissioner C.D. Stewart made a motion to place a “County Capital Improvements Sales Tax” ballot measure in the general election to be held April 8. District II Associate Commissioner Wes Howard seconded the motion. Unanimously, all commissioners voted yes on the proposed motion.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis signed a prepared order of the county commission stating agreement to the following ballot wording:

“Shall the County of Stoddard, Missouri renew the county-wide sales tax currently used for renovation of the jail and construction of a jail addition, at the rate of one-half of one percent (1/2%) to be used for the purposes of construction, maintenance, and improvements to roads and bridges, and construction, maintenance, and improvements to the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department and Jail?”

If a majority of the votes cast are in favor, then the currently used Proposition 2 tax money will be renewed permanently.

If not approved, the county-wide sales tax imposed by Proposition 2 would sunset as of Dec. 31.

Proposition 2 was passed by Stoddard County voters in August 2018.

“We projected $1.4 million in annual sales tax revenue from Proposition 2,” said Mathis.

“The average annual sales tax revenue from Prop. 2 has averaged around $1.9 million,” said County Clerk Cecil Weeks.

This perpetual county-wide sales tax would be used for more than jail construction, maintenance and improvements, according to the discussion. During repurposing, the use parameters and duration change. If passed, then the perpetual county sales tax will be used for roads, bridges, the sheriff’s department and jail, officials have said.

The revenue will not be distributed equally among the aforementioned entities or departments.

Stewart said, “We will have the final say with no expectations on a certain amount. It will be handled similarly to ARPA money.”

Mathis agreed by saying, “This does not specify how the money will be designated. It is not a 50/50 split. The money will co-mingle.”

It was learned local townships will not be allocated money. This will be allocated materials.

“I agree it will be everything that has been said so far,” said Howard. “It is a fair way to distribute after the people speak.”

It was learned approximately $2 million is currently owed for the jail.