(FERGUSON, MO) The Ferguson City Council has announced two ballot initiatives on the April 5, 2016 ballot; Proposition E & P. Ferguson voters will decide both questions, which will presented as separate propositions on the ballot.
PROPOSITION E BALLOT – Introduces additional revenues from the Economic Development Sales Tax. Economic Development in Ferguson provides many critical services to the community including facilitating and planning for the future of our residents, and assisting businesses in Ferguson.
Plans for future revenue generated by the extension of the sales tax include major retail development, redevelopment and expansion of existing retail as well as recruiting new, targeted brands to the area.
Sales taxes are paid by anyone who purchases goods or services in Ferguson. This means that the tax burden is spread over residents rather than just those who own property. In addition, a portion of the burden is paid by travelers or visitors who may purchases.
If the sales tax is increased it will still be comparable to the regional destinations where many Ferguson residents go to shop. Sales tax rates in Hazelwood are 10.00%, Florissant is 10.19% and Black Jack is 11.13%.
PROPOSITION E BALLOT LANGUAGE
Shall the City of Ferguson, Missouri, impose a sales tax at a rate of one-half of one percent (0.5%) for economic development purposes?
(VOTE FOR ONE)
FOR THE PROPOSITION YES ?
AGAINST THE PROPOSITION NO ?
Instructions for Voters
If you are in favor of the question, punch a hole in the box opposite “YES”.
If you are opposed to the question, punch a hole in the box opposite “NO”.
PROPOSITION P BALLOT – Introduces a Property Tax Increase of .40 per $100 Assessed Value property tax increase.
The average home value in Ferguson is around $89,600 a typical tax bill should be $1,670.19 with the proposed .40 property tax increase the average bill would be around $1,780, an additional $68 to their tax bill.
PROPOSITION P, BALLOT LANGUAGE
Shall the general property tax rate for all subclasses of property be increased by forty cents per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation beginning in the 2016 tax year?
City Manager De’Carlon Seewood states that if both Propositions are not passed by Ferguson voters in April, the city will be forced to make tough decisions which could mean layoffs. Some of the proposed budget cuts will include laying of some Police and Fire personnel and City Hall employee reductions. If both Propositions pass, there will be a potential increase to the budget by $1.4 million which will mean all services will continue as normal.
More information
For more information about the Propositions E & P, visit the city’s website at: www.fergusoncity.com or call 314-801-8540.