Council puts 'Transformation' sales tax on ballot

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Jefferson City Council votes 10-0 to place a half-cent "Transformation" sales tax on the Feb. 7 ballot.

“Transformation,” the economic development strategic plan put forward by the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, has proposed a 10-year half-cent economic development sales tax that, if passed, would raise more than $41 million to complete a list of 30 projects around the city.

See more details in Tuesday's edition of the News Tribune.

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JCsleeper 1 year, 6 months ago

Some good ideas in Transformation, but in this economy, can't see voting for it. Sales taxes in JC are quite high enough, not to mention the 15 - 20 cent fuel surcharge. Coupled with a depressed wage base, there's not much left for frills at the moment. Lots of this half cent tax will go on to local folks credit cards along with everything else they purchase, as that's how many get by these days. Sad but true. If passed, after 10 years, see if this isn't brought up again for a vote.

JCLifer 1 year, 6 months ago

Good point. we already pay a 15-20 cent "tax" on our gasoline that citizens in other towns do not have to pay. A win-win would be for the city council to work to break up the Cartel, and then I would gladly vote for the tax increase. This extra money we pay every fill-up should go to benefit all of the citizens in this town, not just the few Cartel members in their big mansions and frequent cruises to the French Riviera.

Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

Is this the best use of tax money?

Sequoia 1 year, 6 months ago

Meh. It is one-half cent. Compared to other ways our tax dollars get used (or abused) these days, I am happy to pay an extra one-half cent for projects that will put local people to work, and improve Jefferson City.

I'm no economist, but isn't one of the big economic problems the fact that there is a lot money that is being "sat on," and not being used for investment?

My view is that if we put a little money into quality projects, the increased business activity will lead to more business, and it will all contribute to an atmosphere that Jefferson City is a place where things are happening. Hopefully, these projects will be good investments, not "frills."

Of course we all have to be careful that the money is not wasted. But it seems like the Chamber has done a lot of homework about what kind of investments have actually worked in cities like Austin, TX, so it really seems more like a strategic plan for growth than a "frill." Have you seen some of the building rennovation going on downtown? They really look good! Have you walked across the bridge bike path? It is a neat experience. It's the kind of thing a family makes a day trip to do.

These projects all seem of a piece with Transformation to get people out in the community, get businesses feeling optimistic, and, most importantly, get people making money. It feels like it is working... it feels like there is some young energy in this town for once.

I'd hate to see people dump on this just because it is a "tax." Yes, we all hate taxes. I mean, now is the time to discuss the best way to invest in our town. But I just don't think that "sit still" and "do nothing" are great options right now. And seriously, it is one half-cent, and it stays right here. I think it is worth it. I would love to see this pass overwhelmingly.

JCLifer 1 year, 6 months ago

Jefferson City is about as different from Austin, TX as could be possible. I'm talking about people's attitudes, politics, as well as things to do here.

asb 1 year, 6 months ago

Sequoia, you're right on the money. This is a small increase with a long reach into the future. If people are concerned about the use of this and existing taxes, they need to get involved and make sure their voices are heard. But nothing gets done without revenue, and we need it.

Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

You are right, Sequoia - i can't imagine the overwhelming vote being against transformation projects either. I will say: When people talk about the half cent sales tax and question its use is not 'dumping' - in my opinion - nor is it 'hating taxes'. Of course! tax money is what pays for stuff. I am beginning to wonder if it is possible to have an intelligent analytical discussion about the use of tax money in Jefferson City. So along the lines of 'is this the best use of tax money?' Is Jefferson City on top of the basic infrastructure obligations? Law enforcement? Fire Protection? What other obligations do taxpayers have? Is everyone aware tax money will be going to cover expenses for the Conference Center? You know, the one that had plans and is now changing? That the lodging tax is to build and some elected officials attempted to include additional funds for it in the recently approved budget? Jefferson City tax money WILL be going to cover the expenses of this. The former city administrator was quoted in this paper as saying this very thing. Is Jefferson City aware other places with conference centers/convention centers have gone bankrupt? Whatever Jefferson City does - let her do it with her eyes open. Aware of what obligations she has. Rady to discuss? I am.

Gotigers 1 year, 6 months ago

The other poster made a great point on the gas prices. I was in Kansas City a week ago and it was $3.11/gallon, by the time I came into JC on the same day it was $3.28/gallon. Perhaps if we weren't being gouged their would be some $$$ available to vote for issues like this.

Sequoia 1 year, 6 months ago

Has the News Tribune ever done an investigation into why J.C. gas prices are higher than Columbia? Not one of those weak-sauce he said/she said stories that quotes one guy, quotes another guy, and refuses to come to any conclusions... a real investigation. Story idea! The people are hungry for some hard-hitting journalism here.

asb 1 year, 6 months ago

Hard hitting? From a paper that get's its editorial stance from a German old-folks home in Argentina? I know, I've worn that one out, and it's a mean exaggeration, but c'mon, NT journalism? No.

asb 1 year, 6 months ago

Somebody please whine so we can all listen for the explosion . . . but the turtle is correct.

Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

LOL - you are not alone, asb......LOL some more....hehehe

tonto_goldberg 1 year, 6 months ago

Wrong answer.

That's a nice rationalization, but our gasoline does not get transported very far by truck. We have a pipeline terminal at the southwest edge of town. It's on Idlewood, if you want to go and look at it. There's another one on Highway 63 about three miles north of the intersection with Highway 54, and a really big one about five miles south of Columbia on Highway 63. So much for isolation.

Gotigers 1 year, 6 months ago

So then what would your rationalization be with Linn and Eldon both being quite a bit lower as well. I'm sorry but .17cents a gallon really adds up when you pay an extra $2.75 a tank. Do the math with 3 cars over the course of a year. $500 year is not a laughing matter.

Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

so, why the higher prices?

asb 1 year, 6 months ago

Yes, public involvement in convention and conference centers has failed. But most work well for their community if sized and led correctly. Public involvement through taxes is critical to balance the fact that such infrastructure isn't usually profitable. If the local environment is attractive enough then it could be, but that may mean too small a public investment was made. The profits go to those using the facilities, not the cities helping get them built. I think JC leadership has stumbled some on this, but a large venue will bring money and jobs to JC and the city should have a stake in it and make a reasonable investment. We need the public investment just as much as we need JCLifer carping on shortcomings. I've seen Columbia SC and you do not want to go there, figuratively or literally. We are a state capitol and must act like one.

Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

What does this mean: 'The profits go to those using the facilities, not the cities helping get them built'?

asb 1 year, 6 months ago

Large venues bring in events that bring in outside peiple with cash, so businesses make more money than they would on locals alone. This is also true of the groups that hold the events; not always of course, but trade shows, fund-raising events, etc. make money. The city should really aim to only cover costs or come close. As long as the net movement of money toward the city is increased, the investment pays off.

Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

okay - that makes sense. I like the idea of the city aiming to cover costs. Jefferson City has the uniqueness of being the capital and I thought the idea of building the center in that area is a plus. State government has lots of big meetings with lots of people.....maybe not the big money makers like trade show. Also, someone mentioned Jefferson City may have some advantages because there is not the outside distraction of a lake, for example, to distract conference attendees from attending various meetings, etc....

So, when you say leadership may have stumbled - what have you identified?

asb 1 year, 6 months ago

I think a more concrete early design, clearer focus on location, and faster movement on the subject would have garnered more support from the public. Bickering amongst the east/west location interests, when either McCarty or the prison grounds would do just fine, should've been nipped by city leadership and a choice made two or more years ago. I hope once a site is clearly established the boys can focus (sorry Carey).

evenkeel 1 year, 6 months ago

Not raising taxes is not "sit still" and is not "do nothing". Raising taxes is raising taxes.

Gabrielle 1 year, 6 months ago

I am sure there are other ways to fund things if the voters say no. It isn't the end of the world. It just means - coming up with $$$ from other sources. That is certainly doable. Anyone know how the city is sitting financially AND maintaining infrastructure? JCLifer, I remember you mentioning sidewalks, what sidewalks would you like to see recieve some attention?

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