Cape city officials to discuss proposed fire tax

Cape Girardeau city officials will discuss the upcoming vote on a proposed quarter-cent fire sales tax at a local Neighborhood Watch meeting today.

The presentation will be made at 6 p.m. at the police substation, 629 Good Hope St.

Representatives from the police and fire departments also will be present to answer any specific questions regarding the tax measure, which is on the June 8 ballot.

The tax would generate an estimated $2 million annually over the next 10 years to help fund fire and police operations, including construction of a new fire station and increasing police department salaries. At the end of 10 years, half of the tax would expire, officials said. The remaining eighth-cent tax would continue to be levied to pay operating expenses.