MARSTON, Mo. - City officials are in hopes of getting the nod from voters to make improvements to the town’s water towers.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, residents of Marston will be asked for their approval of the city issuing combined waterworks and sewerage system revenue bonds for $1 million for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, furnishing, equipping, extending and improving the city’s water and sewage system. Primarily, according to City Clerk Tracy Noble, the funds will be used to refurbish the town’s two water towers.
Noble explained the towers are aging and in need of repairs.
“We have had them inspected and each time there is problem after problem,” Noble said.
She noted work will eventually have to be done to meet standards set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Without the bond issue, she said the city then would have to take out a loan to fund the required work.
According to the wording on the ballot, the bond would be repaid through the operation of the combined waterworks and sewage system. Noble said the city council is in hopes with the issuance of the bond it will not be necessary to raise water bills.
The city clerk said the council members have conducted a public hearing to get the message out about the need for the bond as well as talked with local residents.
The only other issue on Tuesday’s ballot is for Sikeston residents who will decide whether the city can put in place a local use tax on out-of-state purchases. According to wording on the ballot, approval of the use tax would “eliminate the current sales tax advantage that non-Missouri vendors have over Missouri vendors.”
The out-of-state rate would be 3 percent, which is the same rate currently required of local vendors. The ballot states if any local use tax rate is repealed, reduced or raised, the out-of-state use tax would also be repealed, reduced or raised by the same action.
The tax would not be required for persons whose purchases do not total more than $2,000 per year.
Marston voters will cast their ballots at the Community Center. Sikeston residents residing in New Madrid County will vote at the former Kentucky Fried Chicken, 1030 Main St.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.