Cape voters pass parks/stormwater tax extension measure by wide margin

Cape Girardeau voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure Tuesday extending a three-eighth-cent sales tax for 15 years to fund parks and stormwater projects and operations.

While total turnout was small � only 2,744 votes were cast on the ballot measure � city officials were thrilled with the outcome.

The measure passed by an 81 percent to 19 percent margin. The vote was 2,226 yes to 518 no.

Mayor Harry Rediger called it �a tremendous endorsement for the city.�

Rediger said it is a credit to the fact city officials spent the tax money as they promised voters in 2009 when the initial tax was passed.

�We had a plan that was undeniably positive,� he said, adding the tax extension will fund parks and stormwater projects in every part of the city.

Incoming mayor Bob Fox, who was unopposed in Tuesday�s election, called it �an overwhelming victory.�

Fox said the fact the ballot measure was a tax extension and not a tax increase likely played a part in its passage. But he said the city�s commitment to follow through with its promises was a factor.

�You�ve got to be honest with the public,� he said.

A committee of civic leaders promoted the measure, targeting potential �yes� voters online and through the mail.

A new, indoor aquatic center tops the list of parks projects to be funded. Other projects include replacing eight ballfields at Arena Park with a new youth ballfield complex, which could host local leagues and regional and statewide tournaments, and further improvements to Cape Splash water park.

The tax also will fund creation of two new neighborhood parks in the south part of the city, as well as replacement of portable toilets with permanent restrooms at various parks.

Several stormwater projects also would be financed with the tax. They include drainage improvements at Hopper Road and Kingshighway and in Arena Park. Capaha Park�s lagoon also would be dredged as part of drainage improvements.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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