Spending plan

It may be confusing to some Cape Girardeau taxpayers that the city council is reviewing a five-year capital-improvement plan costing nearly $90 million at a time when city operating funds are tight and voters are being asked to approve another sales-tax increase for the fire department.

There is a logical explanation.

Revenue for the city's operations and its capital improvements come from different sources. And because the revenue for capital improvements -- big projects like streets, major equipment and buildings -- is earmarked for those purposes, the money can't be shifted to pay for city operating expenses -- ongoing expenses like payroll, supplies and health insurance.

"We have had capital money to work with," said city manager Doug Leslie. "What we have been struggling with is operating money in the general fund."

Some of the revenue from city sales taxes provide the bulk of operating funds along with property taxes. But some of the city sales taxes are designated for specific uses such as transportation, sewers and the water system.

The city's Transportation Trust Fund continue to fund major street projects, for example. These projects are completed only as the special sales tax produces revenue to pay for them. And voters get to decide after five years whether or not they want to continue the tax -- giving overwhelming approval twice so far.

When it comes to capital projects, the city needs a plan. The city charter requires the city to regularly update a five-year plan for capital improvements. The current plan being considered by the council has more than 100 projects and is estimated to cost $89.4 million -- about $20 million less than previously projected.

Of course, the city doesn't have $89.4 million waiting to be spent. But the city aggressively seeks federal and state funds that pay big chunks of the cost of many capital projects.

Cape Girardeau residents who are interested in and concerned about capital spending in the city also have an opportunity to find out more about the plan and voice their opinions.

The city will have a public hearing at Monday's council meeting. The council is expected to approve the latest five-year plan at its March 15 meeting.

Anyone who wants to be informed about capital improvements and plans for the future is encouraged to attend these council sessions.