Downtown voters apparently approve sales tax

Unofficial results are in for two tax issues considered by Cape Girardeau voters living within the boundaries of the downtown community improvement district.

Numbers from the Cape Girardeau County Clerk's office show 31 votes in favor of Proposition 1, a measure that would create and levy a half-cent sales tax within the district's boundaries, and 20 votes against.

For Proposition 2, which creates a property tax of $0.6709 per $100 assessed valuation also imposed within the district, 26 voters cast "yes" ballots while 25 voted "no."

The ballots were distributed Sept. 2 and accepted during a two-week time period that ended Tuesday. The ballots for Proposition 1 were due by 7 p.m. Tuesday, and Proposition 2 ballots were required to be postmarked by Tuesday. Any Proposition 2 ballots received before the vote is certified by the county clerk's office at 2 p.m. Thursday will be counted and added at certification.

The Cape Girardeau City Council approved the creation of the district in May, but taxes designed to fund safety and cleanup efforts had to be approved by the district's registered voters. The community improvement district and its board of directors are a separate entity from the city. The district includes a portion of Broadway and Water, Main and Spanish streets and portions of adjoining streets.

Of the 180 people eligible to cast votes, 51 submitted their mail-in ballots. To pass, the measures required 50 percent approval of the ballots cast.

January will mark the fifth year since the community improvement district steering committee was formed. Chairman Jim Maurer said it took the work of many committee members, business owners and individuals to make the district a reality.

"I think we've got something exceptionally good, and that's our downtown area," Maurer said. "It's something really special and now we have the funds to really take care of it."

A tentative budget outlined for the 2015 fiscal year estimated the district would gather about $50,000. That number reflects the collection of only one-quarter year of sales taxes; the Missouri Department of Revenue is responsible for the collection of sales taxes and requires a full quarter's notice before it can assess a tax. The 2015 fiscal year ends June 30.

If both taxes are approved by voters, the district will collect an estimated $250,000 per year by 2016 once the property and sales tax take full effect. Both taxes have a sunset of 20 years.

Safety, cleanliness and attractiveness have been longtime goals of the community improvement district steering committee. Any approved measures would be in addition to services provided by the city.

Maurer said it is up to the board to make decisions about how to reach these goals. Extra trash and litter pickup, security patrols and security cameras are among the ideas that have been pitched. Funds also could be used for repairs and capital-improvements needs.

Many have expressed concern the district will benefit only the areas near Main and Spanish streets, which often are the first areas to come to mind for many when they hear the word "downtown." But part of the job for board members is to ensure equal coverage throughout the district, and Maurer said he believes residents and property owners in every corner will see an improvement.

"We feel that it's a really good move for the entire district -- not just downtown, but the entire district," he said.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.