Bollinger voters will decide fate of 'use tax,' new library complex

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Bollinger County voters are being asked to decide the fate of two tax proposals in the April 2 election. Proponents of the so-called "use tax" have been meeting groups explaining why the county needs the tax to pass and how passage will not dig deeper into their pockets.

Supporters of a tax to build a new library, extension center and archive complex are attending school board meetings and speaking with civic groups and anyone who will listen about how a new complex will benefit Bollinger County residents.

Bollinger County Presiding Commissioner Travis Elfrink and Commissioner Steve Jordan tried to unravel the complicated strings of the use tax for the people who came to hear them last week at the Zalma fire station.

Use tax proponents are trying to convey how a tax on out-of-state purchases will not cost taxpayers any more money, and how the lack of it already has hurt the county revenue.

"We're trying to level the playing field," Jordan said.

For decades, Missouri has collected tax on vehicles bought in other states but registered in Missouri -- hence the name "use" tax. The state Department of Revenue would routinely send each county its portion of those taxes. A 2012 Missouri Supreme Court ruling meant the state no longer could collect the local and county portions of those taxes.

The Legislature tried to change that with a bill, which Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed.

Since the Supreme Court ruling took effect, Jordan said, Bollinger County has lost about 20 percent of its revenue from the state.

"We just want to get back what was taken from us," he said. "This is not a new tax. It will not cost any more money."

Jordan said the county is operating at bare-bones minimum. The possibility of having to provide health- care insurance under the federal health-care act will make even less money available for roads, law enforcement, elections and other county services, he said.

Businesses in neighboring states are benefiting from the lack of local use tax revenue by encouraging Missouri consumers to buy products in those states instead of locally.

"It's not fair to local businesses," Elfrink said. "A strong business can survive it but we don't have that many businesses in Bollinger County. Out-of-state businesses are using this as an advertising gimmick."

Local businesses and the Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce support the passage of the use tax.

Library director Eva Dunn last week told chamber members about the bond issue that would pay for the new library complex.

The library board is promoting passage of the property tax it will take to support the project.

The library board has purchased four acres of land on Highway 51 behind the new Dollar General. It will take $5 million to build the facility and 20 years to pay off the bonds, Dunn said. Once paid off, the tax will go away.

A new building, which would triple the size each component has at its disposal, would be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, It would serve as an emergency shelter, and -- more than anything else, according to Dunn -- it would not flood like the current 65-year-old library building does when the creeks are up.

The bond issue would raise taxes for property owners, Dunn said. The average homeowner would see about a $40 per year increase. Overall, she said, the tax will add 37 cents for each $100 of property valuation.

Dunn anticipated the larger complex to provide new jobs. She said maintenance costs will remain about the same.

If the measure passes, Dunn estimates construction could begin in late fall. Every effort will be made, she said, to hire local construction workers.