Next Tuesday, Nov. 6, voters in Gallatin will determine whether a proposed one-half cent sales tax will be imposed to fund street improvements. The ballot will read as follows: "Shall the City of Gallatin, Missouri, impose a sales tax of ½ of 1% for a period of 10 years from the date on which such tax becomes effective for transportation purposes?"
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Why is the city asking for a sales tax increase?
Answer: The City’s current level of spending for road maintenance is not able to address current deficiencies in our aging roadway system.
Why a sales tax and not a personal property tax?
Answer: A sales tax is appealing because the burden does not fall on the citizens alone, it applies to all individuals who use our roads to come to town to purchase goods or services. A property tax increase would not generate enough income to fund additional street projects.
How much money will be generated?
Answer: A ½ cent sales tax is projected to generate $80,000 per year.
How much is currently being spent on transportation and how would additional money be used?
Answer: In 2007 the City spent $44,500 for street repairs. This amount allowed us to apply a cold-mix overlay to approximately 26 blocks. The additional money generated from a sales tax issue would allow us to implement a permanent street program. This program would allow for five to 10 blocks each year to be milled down and resurfaced with a 2" hot-mix overlay and also gives us the opportunity to possibly include curb and gutters.
Will the current level of street maintenance continue?
Answer: Yes, City crews will continue to asphalt roughly 25-30 blocks per year and will continue patching potholes as needed. The additional money generated by the sales tax will allow the city to tackle some of the larger problems in our roadway system. For example, the streets surrounding our courthouse are in desperate need of attention. Over the years they have seen layer after layer of asphalt added to them, to a point now where the street is almost higher than the sidewalk. These streets need to be milled down to a proper height and resurfaced with a new street. Currently the City does not have the capability to handle such a project.
How does Gallatin’s tax rate compare to surrounding communities?
Answer: Gallatin’s current tax rate is 7.1%. If this transportation tax is passed, the new rate would be 7.6%. While we wouldn’t have the cheapest tax rate in northwest Missouri, we would still be lower than some of our neighbors and still very competitive. This increase would not be enough to deter potential customers from shopping in Gallatin. Here is a list of surrounding communities’ tax rates:
Cameron……7.225%
Chillicothe……8.225%
Bethany……..7.225%
Maysville……7.475%
Trenton………7.725%
Hamilton…….8.225%
St. Joseph……7.475%
Liberty…….8.350%
Keep Gallatin moving forward and vote "yes" on Nov. 6!