Cape council to move forward on fire sales tax

The Cape Girardeau City Council will take its first action toward calling an election for the fire sales tax at its regular meeting tonight.

The question to extend the one-eighth-cent portion of the fire tax initially was planned to go before voters in August. The council voted May 27 to repeal the ordinance after Gov. Jay Nixon announced the three-quarter-cent state transportation tax measure also would appear on the August ballot, citing concern for voters to have adequate time to research both issues.

While it has been discussed in previous meetings, this is the first time the council will take a vote to begin the process of calling the election in November. Revenue from the tax helps purchase and maintain equipment for the city's police and fire departments. It also helps keep facilities updated.

The council and members of city staff have repeatedly stressed the importance of renewing the tax, which funds many critical needs for the city's public safety departments.

If the tax extension is approved in November, it will not take effect until April 1. That is because Missouri statute provides that sales tax measures approved by voters do not become effective until the start of the second quarter of the year.

Other business

The council will take its first vote on an ordinance accepting a quit-claim deed from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for property along Interstate 55.

Once the measure gets final approval, the city will receive the approximately 0.60 acres for additional right of way for the Veterans Memorial Drive Phase 5 Project, which extends from Scenic Drive to Hopper Road.

When Veterans Memorial Drive is complete, it will provide an alternate north-south route to Interstate 55 and U.S. 61.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.