Scott County law enforcement sales tax vote pushed back by ice storm set for Tuesday

Jamie Burger, Scott County presiding commissioner, has spent much of his free time stumping for a half-cent retail sales tax, only to have the election date delayed by a devastating ice storm.

Originally scheduled for Feb. 3, that election was canceled after thousands were left without power from the effects of the ice, which caused many roads to close until debris was removed.

The sales tax would fund law enforcement, E-911 operations and county government expenses. As part of the measure, county officials have agreed to cut the county's portion of personal and real estate property taxes, saving residents about $400,000 each year. The county would not begin to collect the tax until July 1, but the property tax abatement would be waived for the entire year, Burger said. The half-cent tax will expire Dec. 31, 2016.

It is the only issue on Tuesday's ballot.

If voters approve the tax, Burger estimates it will raise $1.6 million annually for the county, though with the $400,000 property tax abatement, the amount will be closer to $1.2 million. He and other county officials have been campaigning hard for passage.

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.comScott County commissioners Donnie Kiefer, left, and Jamie Burger discuss ice storm recovery plans for the coming months Friday morning at the Scott County Courthouse in Benton, Mo.

"But there are still so many people that aren't even aware an election is going on," he said Thursday. "As we go around assessing storm damage, we're talking about it and people are saying it's the first they've heard [of an election for the tax question]."

Though Burger and other county officials say county law enforcement will benefit the most from the tax, the money is not earmarked, meaning it will go into the county's general fund. Burger said more than half, $800,000, will be spent on law enforcement issues, with the E-911 program getting $200,000 and $200,000 for grant matches and to start an emergency fund. In 2008, the county faced nearly $400,000 in costs after a series of weather-related disasters.

Former 2nd District commissioner Ron McCormick said law enforcement funding dominated his two years on the commission and remains a priority. He said he and his wife have talked up the tax to friends and business associates.

"It's absolutely essential for this county," he said. "Law enforcement is going to suffer greatly if it doesn't pass."

He and 1st District Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn have emphasized the need for the county to develop an emergency fund; Burger and newly elected 2nd District Commissioner Donnie Kiefer have expressed similar views.

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.comNorman Brant, from left, Joel Evans, Rob Furlow and Rick Walter meet with the Scott County commission Friday morning in Benton, Mo., about storm recovery plans. The retail tax up for a vote Tuesday affects the county budget for public safety.

Burger said that if the tax does not pass, he will have to cut services because the county faces at least a $1 million shortfall without it.

"Right now we're able to have three 911 operators during peak 911 call times [on Friday and Saturday nights]," he said. "No doubt, we'll lose employees. Whether those come from law enforcement, 911 or the courthouse proper, we'll have to determine that at budget amendment time."

He said he doesn't want to cut any jobs.

"Unlike the state legislators, if they make cuts, they don't know the people," he said. "If I cut someone, I'll be sitting across from them at a church dinner or seeing their kids at the soccer field. I know everybody ... I guarantee you, I know who I cut, personally."

Scott County has more than 27,000 registered voters, according to Scott County Clerk Rita Milam. More than 66 percent -- 18,240 -- turned out for November's presidential election.

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.comNorman Brant, from left, Joel Evans, Rob Furlow and Rick Walter meet with the Scott County commission Friday morning, February 13, 2009, in Benton about storm recovery plans. The retail tax up for a vote Tuesday heavily impacts the county budget for public safety.

Milam said she'd like to see at least that many voters cast ballots Tuesday.

She and her deputy clerks will be working today, taking in absentee ballots, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

She said all of the polling places have power.

"From what I understand, everybody's got power back in Scott County," she said.

Voters with questions should call the Scott County Clerk's office at 573-545-3549.

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.comScott County commissioners Donnie Kiefer, left, and Jamie Burger discuss ice storm recovery plans for the coming months Friday morning at the Scott County Courthouse in Benton, Mo.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

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