VOTERS AT EAST PRAIRIE WILL DETERMINE TWO TAX EXTENSIONS

EAST PRAIRIE -- Voters in East Prairie will consider extensions for two tax measures and several other contests when they go to the polls Tuesday.

The City Council wants to extend a half-cent transportation tax and a 19-cent property tax for additional periods to cover operating costs of the city.

The transportation tax, first approved in 1989, was rebuffed by voters during November elections. The measure failed 457 to 354. A simple majority was needed for passage.

The first issue is a sales tax of one half of 1 percent to finance street improvements. Funds generated by the tax have been used for all local road maintenance expenses with the exception of total reconstruction for curbs and gutters since its approval in 1989.

The tax, which expires next October, is expected to generate about $80,000 this year. About $600,000 has been collected since the tax became effective. The tax was first approved in 1989 to cover the cost of paving gravel roads and resurfacing deteriorated routes.

Since its approval, nearly eight miles of city streets plus intersections, alleys and parking areas have been resurfaced. Equipment and supplies also have been upgraded and maintained.

The tax will be continued for 10 years if approved. The tax is important because it relieves the financial burden property owners incur for lot and street improvements. said City Administrator Kathie Simpkins.

"Our streets are used by many people who do not own property in the city, but if they make a purchase here they also pay the half-cent tax," said Simpkins. "It is my belief and the council's feeling that this is the fairest way to maintain and continue to improve our streets as we have tried to do in past years."

The 19-cent property tax generates some $20,000 a year towards the city's general fund. The money is used to support the parks and for maintenance and improvements to the swimming pool. A simple majority vote would extend the tax an additional five years.

In addition to the tax proposals, voters will consider incumbents mayor Lonnie Thurmond and Ward 1 alderman Shirley Pritchett for re-election, and Janice Drummond and Sam Duvall are competing for the two-year term as city collector.

Drummond was appointed to the position vacated when Doris Owens retired last year.

Elsewhere in the county, Anniston voters will choose between Dessie Gross and Earl Nolen for the mayor's position, and James Knupp and Melinda Thurman are competing to be the next Ward 2 alderman.

Roger Hayman and Danny Freeland are vying for the Ward 1 alderman position in Bertrand.