Parks board kicks off sales-tax campaign

In a room set up with more than 100 chairs, a few had to stand. Former city planner Kent Bratton, parents of soccer players and swimmers and a cluster of softball coaches were among those who found seats.

The crowd arrived to see the premier of the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Advisory Board's sales-tax campaign. Danny Essner, the board's chairman, presided over a brief meeting before premiering a slide show and video on the parks and storm water sales tax initiative.

He reminded those present that the proposed half-cent tax would cost 50 cents per $100 purchase. He said 75 percent of the tax would end after 10 years. The sales tax is designed to raise $25 million toward improving parks, building a community center on the south side of the city and fund an aquatic center as well as general parks improvements. The tax, if approved by voters April 8, would also pay for $3 million in storm-water management improvements.

Afterward, Essner answered questions. The most critical came from former parks board member Jay Crosnoe, who wanted to know why the tax included a 10-year sunset. He maintained that the parks and recreation department would need more than the permanent one-eighth cent reserved for operating expenses. Dan Muser, parks and recreation director, said most operating expenses are currently paid by the city.

Essner thanked many in the room -- most representing sporting groups -- and members of city council and Mayor Jay Knudtson for their support. He praised Jim Riley for donating the time and technology for the multimedia presentation.

Knudtson agreed, but told those assembled the campaign would take a concerted, grassroots effort aimed at getting people to the polls April 8.

Bari Neff, member of the Parks Foundation board, has volunteered to schedule presentations. At the end of Wednesday's meeting, she said she has already scheduled 40 parks presentations with area service clubs. Neff, the mother of two high schoolers and a college student, said parks improvements would provide jobs for those hired to design and build and, once finished, part-time jobs for students.

Scott House, a member of the city's historic preservation commission, said few know that the parks department supports Fort D, Lorimier Cemetery, the Red House Interpretive Center and the Cape River Heritage Museum.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127