Cape voters easily pass fire tax extension

Cape Girardeau voters gave new life to the fire sales tax as they voted Tuesday night to approve a 21-year extension.

The quarter-cent tax -- which was divided into an ongoing portion and a renewable portion -- initially was approved by voters in June 2004 by nearly 81 percent. The one-eighth-cent renewable portion hit its 10-year sunset this year, and nearly 60 percent of voters approved its renewal, according to unofficial results released by the Cape Girardeau County clerk's office.

"It's a big win for our city and all of our citizens," Mayor Harry Rediger said.

The tax historically has been used to buy new trucks, build a new station and help expand and update equipment. It also has helped free up general revenue funds to be used for police department needs.

Revenue generated from the renewal is expected to be $1.2 million a year, according to city estimates.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger, left, and Kevin Greaser celebrate after voters pass the one-eighth-cent sales tax to support the fire department Tuesday at The Library. (Laura Simon)

In an effort to be transparent with voters about the use of fire tax funds, the city placed data concerning revenue projections and outlines of spending plans on its website.

"It proves again that when we take a case for renewal of a tax to the citizens with a group of projects that meet the test -- when we take that to the citizens, they will respond," said Rediger.

Plans outlined by the city show half the funding will be dedicated to facilities. The goal is to renovate fire stations 1 and 2 and replace station 4 on Kurre Lane. That station is the city's smallest, but city and fire officials said city growth to the north keeps it as busy as the other stations.

The renewal of the fire tax also means the city can contribute more funds toward a new police station. The existing one is too small to meet needs and is in poor condition. The fire tax extension means $4 million toward the new police station's $11 million total.

The other half of the revenue will replace existing fire apparatus, such as the trucks and SUVs. Trucks should be pulled from front-line service every 10 to 15 years, depending on use, and some are near that deadline. Fire chief Rick Ennis previously said the renewal of the fire tax means the department ideally would purchase a new engine in 2015, placing its 2005 model on the reserve fleet. The 1998 model in the reserve fleet would be sold.

Without the renewal, Rediger said the city would have been "hard pressed" to continue replacing fire and police vehicles on pace with industry standards, meaning they would be aged and less dependable. He said he's heard some comment the city's general revenue should cover such needs, but the mayor said that's just not the case.

"The thought is, with our existing general revenue, we should be able to do that, but the dollars just don't stretch," Rediger said. "They do stretch with that other eighth-cent. That's just enough. We don't need more."

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Cape Girardeau, Mo.