State tax for nature may go to voters

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A dedicated sales tax state voters approved in 1976 is widely credited for making the Missouri Department of Conservation one of the best in the nation at managing wildlife and forestry resources.

But critics contend that with an earmarked and perpetual funding source left solely to the discretion of a governing commission that is constitutionally free from outside oversight, the department has developed a reputation for arrogance and wasteful spending.

State Sen. John Cauthorn, R-Mexico, said requiring periodic voter reauthorization of the one-eighth cent conservation sales tax would be a simple way to restore nominal accountability to the department.

However, supporters of the department who packed a Senate hearing on Thursday to oppose the proposal had their own message for Cauthorn.

"We would like you to keep your hands off of our conservation sales tax," said Allan Hoover of Missourians Committed to Conservation.

Cauthorn is proposing a constitutional amendment that would put the tax back on the statewide ballot in November 2006 and, if reauthorized, every 10 years thereafter.

The Senate committee that handles conservation issues will hear further testimony on the measure next Thursday. Should the amendment clear the Missouri Legislature, it would go on the November ballot for voter consideration.

The conservation department's budget for the current fiscal year is nearly $127 million and funded primarily by the dedicated sales tax. Under the constitution, the four-member Missouri Conservation Commission appointed by the governor decides how the budget is allocated. As a result, the department doesn't have to compete against other state agencies for funding.

State Sen. John Griesheimer, R-Washington, said if the department is being responsive to the public and acting in a financially prudent manner, then it has nothing to fear from voter reauthorization of the tax.

"If you are running over people and acting arrogantly then, yes, you run the risk of losing it," Griesheimer said.

Ed Stegner, a Pilot Grove farmer, worked for passage of the tax in 1976. He said Missourians can seek redress through the initiative petition process if strong public sentiment is felt that the department is misusing taxpayer funds.

"If they are doing a poor job, then the people will put it back on the ballot for a vote," Stegner said.

Representatives of various pro-conversation groups also testified against Cauthorn's proposal.

Only the Missouri Farm Bureau expressed support. Lobbyist Leslie Holloway said the organization advocates the continuation of the tax but feels periodic review would improve the department's accountability.

In a series of reports dating to 1999, State Auditor Claire McCaskill has alleged a variety of abuses by the department and commission, including:

Excessive spending on meals, social events and employee travel.

Allowing employees to use taxpayer-owned boats for personal use.

Poor record keeping concerning the use of the department's 1,300 vehicles.

Using state aircraft to fly commissioners and staffers to meetings.

Inadequate oversight of department-administered grants.

Potential employee use of state credit cards to purchase personal items.

The proposed constitutional amendment is SJR 47.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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