Chamber endorses proposed taxes

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce has come out in favor of the city's four tax proposals on the April ballot, saying they will help keep the city a regional center by providing for basic city needs and creating an economy-boosting attraction -- a $6.5 million water park.

But the chamber did so with the strong caveat that, if the economy rights itself, the taxes should be done away with.

"That's important," said chamber president and CEO John Mehner. "We agree with the Citizens Finance Tax Force that if we get going again from an economic standpoint, get rid of the taxes."

At its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday morning, the chamber's board of directors voted 12 to 3 in favor of the taxes. Four members were absent. Mehner would not say how specific board members voted.

City officials are asking voters to pass four tax measures on the April 8 ballot: a quarter-cent sales tax, a local use tax, a storm-water fee and the extension of a 10-cent property tax. The measures would generate an estimated $4.13 million a year.

City officials say the money would go to pay operating expenses, replace aging equipment, improve storm drainage, build a new fire station, expand the police station and construct a water park.

"The board recognized the importance of the local business climate by stressing the necessity of reviewing the entire package of taxes so that, if revenue approaches the high growth times of the early- to mid-'90s, action can be taken to reduce or eliminate the taxes," Mehner said. "Because there's no sunset clause, the citizens panel said it should be reviewed, and we agree."

City manager Michael Miller said he was happy to hear about the chamber's endorsement.

"But that's what we're finding out as we go out in the community and give presentations," he said. "The more people hear about the package and understand it, the more they like it."

Miller said from a business point of view, it also makes sense for business people to favor the creation of a new water park.

"It's a good business decision as well as a good community decision," Miller said. "We think a water park will help us continue to be a regional draw."

Miller said he doesn't think this election is a slam-dunk, however.

"I never feel confident," he said. "But I think most people really sincerely feel there's a need for operations and buildings. I'm getting a real sense people appreciate the city services they're getting and want them to continue."

Miller also understands that in many communities this would be a tough sell. "But this community has a real appreciation for what they're getting," he said.

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137