Tourism tax proposal issue on Miner ballot in November

Standard Democrat

MINER, Mo. -- Miner voters will have another chance on Nov. 4 to authorize the diversion of their tourism tax money to the city for other uses.

"I'm almost certain it will pass this time," Mayor Frank Tatum predicted during the regular Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday.

The board approved placing on the November ballot the question of whether tourism collection spending can be allocated as follows: 25 percent to tourism and marketing; 35 percent to capital improvements; and 40 percent to general revenue. Presently 100 percent goes toward tourism and marketing.

The 4-percent "bed tax" on hotel stays brings in roughly $16,000-$17,000 per month, Tatum estimated.

"We took in $19,000 last month," he noted.

The primary intent, according to Tatum, is to fund the construction of a city park.

"The park is priority," agreed board member Roberta Wills.

Board member Betty Barnes suggested two small parks and one large park, but the particulars are to be worked out later, according to officials.