Scott City readies list of needed projects

In 1998, Scott City voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax to pay for fire department improvements. Six years later, Scott City voters will be asked to extend, but not increase, the sales tax, likely for another six years, in order to finance what city administrators say are badly needed projects.

At its last meeting, the council approved an ordinance to put the sales tax renewal question onto the August ballot. At its next meeting, the council plans to share a list of projects that would be funded by the sales tax.

"We want to assure people of the town where their money will be spent," said Scott City Mayor Tim Porch.

Council member Norman Brant agreed. "We really want to keep the information flowing to the community," he said. "We want to let them know their dollar is being spent wisely."

According to Porch and Brant, putting a new roof on the city hall building is the most important project the money would go toward.

Porch said the roof is in horrible condition, despite patches that were put on last year. There are some other problems with the building, which also houses the fire station and the police department.

"There's just a lot of maintenance that's never been done." he said. "We've just never had the money to maintain it."

The city would also like to purchase some property from the railroad, including the parking lot where the caboose is located. For 10 years the city has leased the property from the railroad even though it is used by residents for parking to go into stores, offices and churches.

In addition, the city also would like to purchase any railroad property along Main Street leading up to the interstate in order to widen Main Street and add a center turn lane.

"It's a huge problem," Brant said of the traffic and minor accidents on Main Street.

Outside of these three main projects there is also the possibility of purchasing fire equipment and property for a satellite fire station, Porch said.

The Public Works Department also needs new equipment for work on the sewer system, and there is the possibility of purchasing a new tractor to mow ditches.

According to Porch, the sales tax approved in 1998 has benefited the city, paying for a new $290,000 fire truck.

Over a six-year period the sales tax generates around $400,000, Porch said. Although, that is always subject to change depending on the economy.

While it generates this money for the city, Porch said the one-fourth of 1 percent sales tax probably does not amount to $20 a year for the average person.

"These are things we strictly need, it's not a wish list for Christmas," Brant said of the projects under consideration.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182