Tax extension may appear on August ballot

The Cape Girardeau City Council gave first-round approval Monday night to an ordinance that will put a question asking voters to extend a portion of the fire tax on the August ballot.

The 1/8-cent portion of the sales tax is used to purchase police cars and equipment for police and fire departments. It also helps keep facilities updated.

City manager Scott Meyer said it was "critical" that these facilities and equipment continue to be upgraded for the sake of the city's public safety departments.

Ward 6 councilman Wayne Bowen said he thinks it is the "perfect time" to consider public safety -- a service that provides a benefit for the entire city -- when looking at future capital improvements. In addition to a new police station, there is at least one fire station that will need to be upgraded in the near future.

Bowen then proposed extending the sales tax's sunset from 21 years to 25.

Ward 1 Councilman Joseph Uzoaru supported the measure, but cautioned that it was important the goals of the tax be clearly outlined for voters.

"It's not something to be taken lightly," he said of the extension.

But Mayor Harry Rediger and Councilwoman Loretta Schneider worried extending the sunset might be a turnoff for voters.

"My concern is that lengthening that time frame is kind of hitting against the edge," Rediger said.

The measure ultimately failed, with Bowen and Uzoaru voting in favor and the mayor, Schneider and Councilwoman Shelly Moore voting against. Councilman Mark Lanzotti was absent.

But the council was unanimous in its decision to approve the first reading of the ordinance placing the sales tax question on the August ballot.

Schneider said she knows most citizens are not in favor of taxes, even extending existing ones, but since the city receives fewer grants from the state, sales taxes are the primary revenue source for most projects and services.

"Nobody wants more taxes, but we have to decide what's important enough to pay for," she said.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.