29SEP2009

City Clarifies Ballot Language Headline

The City Attorney’s office provided a memo today to clarify any confusion over what would happen after the first five years of the sales tax concluded, if the referendum were approved on Nov. 3.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce requested the clarification after several members expressed concern following a headline in the News-Leader this week stating that a vote would be required to end the sales tax after five years.

Technically, that’s true  - it’s just not complete. The memo is posted here, but the bottom line is this: After five years, the issue would go back to voters to either repeal it or continue it. Voters would have the right after five years to make a new decision on the sales tax.

Part of the confusion stems from the way the state statute is written for this particular type of sales tax. The statute was written in such a way that voters will be asked whether they want to stop the tax at that point. In other words, if the issue were on a ballot again in five years, a “yes” vote would end the tax, while a “no” vote would continue it.

The memo also has been distributed to the City Council and the Police-Fire Pension Fund Citizens’ Task Force. It is posted along with other election information on the City’s election Web site.

Any citizens with additional questions about this are encouraged to call 864-1010 or e-mail: city@springfieldmo.gov.

posted by Louise Whall, Public Information

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