Critical Challenges Ahead for Missouri Cities in 2016

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri cities face several critical challenges in 2016 that threaten a community's ability to determine the best local decisions for their citizen's needs.

"Local matters need to be decided by officials at the local level, not by elected officials from across the state or United States," said City of Lee's Summit Mayor Randall Rhoads. Rhoads also serves as the current president of the Missouri Municipal League.

Many of the issues from the 2015 Missouri legislative session will return, including continued sales tax exemptions that erode local funding. In recent years, local city revenue from voter-approved taxes has been threatened due to proposed sales and property tax exemptions.

"Two-thirds of Missourians live in a city," said Dan Ross, executive director of the Missouri Municipal League. "These citizens depend on services such as sewer, water, and police protection. When state and federal laws chip away at a city's tax base, they take voter-approved critical services from local citizens."

Transportation is another top priority for cities. Missouri cities support an increase in the fuel tax as a first step to help fund critical transportation needs.

The Missouri Municipal League provides a united voice for municipalities across Missouri. Founded in 1934, MML now serves more than 660 municipalities with training, resources and legislative advocacy for local government leaders. Learn more at www.mocities.com.