Cape council changes view on tax

A majority of Cape Girardeau City Council members say they would consider adding an automatic termination date to part of a proposed fire sales tax expected to be on the April 6 election ballot.

Councilman Matt Hopkins predicted the council next week will pass a sunset provision that would automatically terminate half of the quarter-cent tax after 10 years.

A majority of council members don't want to sunset the entire tax because half of it is earmarked to fund operational expenses, including salary increases for police officers.

The city council voted 6-1 on Monday night to ask voters to approve a permanent fire sales tax to fund improvements for the fire and police departments, including money to construct a new fire station and renovate the police station. The tax also would pay for new fire trucks and police cars.

Monday night, several council members said they oppose adding a provision that would automatically terminate half the tax because it could confuse voters. But at least five of the seven council members now say they will consider such a provision. Council members said they are rethinking the issue in response to comments from the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and city residents.

Chamber board members discussed the tax proposal at a meeting Tuesday but didn't take a formal stand.

Some board members, however, suggested the tax issue has a better chance to win voter approval if it includes a sunset provision.

"If they have this huge tax and accumulate just more and more money, I don't see this as being constructive," said Dr. Pat Ruopp, vice chairman of the chamber board.

City manager Doug Leslie said the board sent a clear message favoring some type of sunset provision.

"It certainly got my attention," said Leslie, who attended the meeting along with Councilwoman Evelyn Boardman.

The city council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday to consider giving final approval to an ordinance that would put the tax issue on the April ballot and to make a final decision on whether the tax measure -- which would generate $2 million annually -- should carry an automatic termination date.

Over 74 percent of those participating in an ongoing Southeast Missourian online poll want the council to add a sunset clause. The public can vote in the online poll through Sunday at www.semissourian.com.

Councilman Jay Purcell voted against putting the issue on the ballot Monday, saying he first wanted a commitment from city officials to cut nonessential services to help balance the budget.

Purcell said Thursday he hasn't decided if he will vote for the ordinance on final reading. "It is my genuine hope we can start thinking about cutting expenses," he said.

Mayor Jay Knudtson favors a sunset clause for the entire tax but said Thursday he would accept a limited sunset provision.

Boardman said she favors an automatic termination provision for half of the tax.

Councilman Hugh White said he has heard from residents and is considering supporting a sunset option.

Councilwoman Marcia Ritter could not be reached for comment.

Councilman Charlie Herbst, a former police officer, said he personally favors a permanent tax but would consider voting for a sunset clause.

"Public safety is ongoing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," he said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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