LETTERS: FOR TAX, AGAINST BONDS

To the editor:

As a member of the City Council, I would like to offer my opinion to the people of Cape Girardeau concerning the one-fourth percent sales tax and the 20-year bond issue for water improvements. These two items will be on the ballot in the election Tuesday.

At this time, we have two water plants: No. 1 on Cape Rock Drive, which produces two-thirds of the total usable water, and the No. 2 plant, which produces the remainder. Up to this time we have had sufficient and very good water. In the heat of summer, we have been able in the past to furnish enough water. And, in winter, No. 1 plant is able to do the job alone.

The city staff feels that we could increase the water supply by 35 percent in two to three years by construction with the bond issue. If the sales tax passes and the bond issue fails, we would have about $1.5 million per year to make improvements as needed.

It has also been discussed that soon we will be required by federal regulations to give better treatment to the water. If this could not be done by the money coming from the sales tax, there will be bonds which should be available and at a cost below the anticipated method in the election.

Using money as it is available and property controlled would be far better than spending $35 million in a bond issue in two to three years to depend upon for 20 years.

I believe it would be better for the people of Cape Girardeau to vote for the one-fourth percent sales tax and vote against the bond issue.

JACK RICKARD

City Councilman

Cape Girardeau