Scott County Commission to host hearing on proposed half-cent sales tax

BENTON, Mo. -- A public hearing on a proposed half-cent tax is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday in the Scott County Commission chambers in Benton.

Presiding Commissioner Jamie Berger said he wanted as many people as possible to have the opportunity to learn about the tax plan.

"The biggest selling point is that it is going to reduce taxes for people who own property," he said.

The measure would eliminate the county's portion of property taxes but impose a countywide half-cent sales tax until Dec. 31, 2016.

Berger said all Scott County elected officials would be at Monday's one-hour hearing to answer questions.

"Hopefully we see some supporters, and if some are against it, that's fine, too," he said, adding that he hoped everyone would leave with a clear understanding of the measure.

"Naturally, anytime you mention the word 'tax' people get a negative impression," he said. "But if your county taxes are as little as $50 on personal property and real estate. You'd have to spend $10,000 to pay more than the $50."

He said the measure would waive as much as $400,000 of county property and real estate taxes. The public hearing is Monday at the Scott County Courthouse, 131 S. Winchester St. in Benton.

Voters will decide the issue in a Feb. 3 election.