Sikeston voters approve use tax; Miner propositions fail

SIKESTON — Voters in Sikeston approved a use tax on out-of-state purchases during Tuesday’s election.

The bill passed with 527 voters approving the use tax and 406 casting ballots in opposition.

“We very much appreciate everyone who came out to vote no matter how they voted,” said Sikeston Mayor Steven Burch. “The fact they took the time to go and vote means a lot.”

According to the wording on the ballot, the use tax would “eliminate the current sales tax advantage that non-Missouri vendors have over Missouri vendors.” The out-of-state rate will be 3 percent, which is the same rate currently required of local vendors. If any local use tax rate is repealed, reduced or raised, the out-of-state use tax would also be repealed, reduced or raised by the same action.

“When you look at the erosion of our tax base driven primarily by internet sales you simply can’t ignore that. This (use tax) is very positive for the community,” Burch said, adding that the increased revenue will help the city provide critical services to the city.

While it means more revenue to Sikeston, Burch warned it doesn’t mean the city will now have a windfall of money.

“(The Council) is honored that the voters did understand what we are trying to accomplish,” Burch said. “We still have to be diligent and responsible with our tax dollars while we are working to grow the community.”

Miner

Two issues on the Miner ballot both failed in Tuesday’s election.

Proposition A, a proposed city sales tax of one-half percent for the funding of the police department, city administration and general operating costs of the city was voted down by voters with 51 voting no and 47 voting yes.

Proposition B would have given the mayor the power to appoint the police chief with consent and majority vote of the Board of Alderman.

Currently the Miner Police Chief is voted on by the citizens of Miner. That was recently an issue when former police chief Chris Griggs was impeached by the Board of Alderman in March. That impeachment was recently upheld by a judge on appeal.

Voters overwhelmingly voted down Proposition B with 80 no votes to only 18 yes votes.

Morley

Morley voters also approved a use tax in Tuesday’s election by a vote of 32 to 11.

The out-of-state rate will be 1 percent, which is the same rate currently required of local vendors. If any local use tax rate is repealed, reduced or raised, the out-of-state use tax would also be repealed, reduced or raised by the same action.