Tax decision

The Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday decided to postpone a decision whether to place the hotel/motel and restaurant tax before voters in the November election.

Council members have expressed different opinions on what project the restaurant tax should fund. It has been used most recently to help pay for the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus. However, with bonds to be paid off soon, the tax will sunset.

Some have argued the restaurant tax should be used to fund a police or public safety station. Other proposals -- an indoor sports complex, an expansion of the city's water park or history-focused projects -- focused more on the tourism aspect.

The decision by the council to postpone a vote means the next opportunity for citizens to decide on the tax renewal would be April.

Now is an opportunity for Cape Girardeau residents to make their voices heard. Should the tax be extended? If so, what should it fund?

If you have ideas or opinions about the future of this tax, consider getting involved and sharing your thoughts with the council. This is an important issue and the council's decision to postpone the vote is an opportunity to hear proposals and thoughts regarding the best course of action going forward.