Editorial

Making a case

The Cape Girardeau City Council's decision to hold off on asking voters for a tax increase -- to pay for capital improvements at the fire and police departments -- reflects the fact that elected officials are far from in agreement on what to do and how to do it.

Last week the council took the first step toward putting a quarter-cent sales tax on the April 6 ballot, but that vote wasn't unanimous. Councilman Jay Purcell said he believed there may be nonessential spending that could still be cut.

The council also was divided on the issue of imposing a sunset provision for the proposed tax. Such a provision would end the tax after 10 years, requiring either that voters approve an extension of the tax or that the city find needed revenue from other sources.

This week, when it met to give the proposed ballot measure its final approval, the council was again divided. The vote was 5-2 to delay the tax proposal, possibly until August. And the issue of a sunset provision is still up in the air.

There are many factors that convince voters they should support tax increases. One of those is the show of support from the mayor and council members for both the need of additional revenue and for plans to spend the extra money. It's obvious that this council hasn't yet reached a consensus that it can use to make a case to voters.

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