Editorial: Cape Girardeau fire tax worth supporting

On Tuesday, voters will decide whether to approve a 1/8-cent sales tax to support the fire department.

If approved, these funds will be used to purchase vehicles and apparatus and to build new facilities.

The tax will generate about $1.2 million per year, and the tax is set to expire in 21 years.

For those unfamiliar with recent Cape Girardeau history, voters here approved a 1/4-cent sales fire tax 10 years ago. Half of that tax was permanent to support operations, including salaries for firefighters. The other half was to purchase capital items such as trucks and all the things firefighters need to do their jobs as safely as possible. The 1/8-cent capital portion of the tax will expire on Dec. 31.

Voters are being asked to extend that tax to keep the fire department well equipped.

The city has put forth a reasonable plan.

The tax will replace fire apparatus every 10 to 15 years as needed, renovate two fire stations and replace another.

It also will allow the city to build a new police station, though funds from the fire tax will not go directly toward this goal. Instead, funds from general revenue and casino revenue could be used for the police station, which is badly outdated. General revenue funds also will be allocated to police vehicles, which will be replaced every seven to 10 years as needed.

The city has a good track record over the last 10 years in using the fire tax money, and the city is smartly beginning to use casino revenue to help fund certain police and fire necessities. The combination of the fire tax, casino revenue and general funds will put the city in a good position.

It's important that the city keep its facilities maintained and in good working order. This tax will address several important needs. Funding our fire department also helps keep our home insurance rates down.

We recommend a "yes" vote on the fire tax. It will keep the city safe and moving forward. For what amounts to 12 1/2 pennies per $100 spent, this tax is a good investment.