County hopes for deal to protect tax base

A compromise in the works could protect Cape Girardeau County's sales tax base while providing a sales tax break for manufacturers.

Sen. Jason Crowell, Cape Girardeau Area Magnet director Mitch Robinson and Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones have been discussing how to promote economic growth and provide the needed revenue to operate the county. Jones, with support from his fellow commissioners and leaders of Cape Girardeau and Jackson, has raised objections to a proposal to grant a sales tax exemption for utility purchases by manufacturers.

For more, check back at www.semissourian.com or read Sunday's Southeast Missourian.