Definite 'yes' for Scott Co. retail sales tax

Scott County voters approved a half-cent retail sales tax by nearly a 3-to-1 margin Tuesday, with 1,727 voting for the measure and 592 opposed.

Jamie Burger, Scott County presiding commissioner, said he was happy the measure won every voting precinct in the county.

"The people put awesome trust in what we asked," he said.

Now county officials will have to show they can "live within their means," he said.

The tax, which goes into effect on July 1, is expected to raise an estimated $1.6 million for the county's general fund. But part of Tuesday's ballot includes canceling the county's portion of personal property and real estate taxes, $400,000 in all, leaving the county with a $1.2 million remainder. The tax will expire on Dec. 31, 2016.

County officials have promised to spend $800,000 on law enforcement issues, with the E-911 program getting $200,000, and $200,000 for grant matches and to start an emergency fund.

Burger said the emphasis on strong law enforcement will help convince businesses to locate in Scott County.

This year, Burger said, he expects at least five months of receipts to be collected, for an estimated total of more than $650,000 — but he cautioned that $400,000 of that has to make up for the voters' tax abatement.

He said the tax should be a good source of income for the county despite a weak economy.

"I think people passing through this area will still go to Lambert's Cafe ­— it's a national icon — and the hotels and motels seem to still be flourishing as people travel through here," he said.

The overall turnout of 2,319 was "typical for a municipal-type election," said County Clerk Rita Milam.

Although only five people arrived at the county courthouse Monday to file absentee ballots, a total of 81 absentee ballots were returned, Milam said.

Milam said the result was "a big relief to everybody. It's very important to keep the services Scott County has."

Burger, who campaigned intensely for the sales tax, said he doesn't expect to have free time soon.

"Now I'll have to go around and thank all these people," he said, praising the county's elected officials and others who helped persuade voters.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

388-3646