It seems the state’s largest municipal government lobbying group is at it again, trying to squeeze water out of a rock;
Taylor said she’ll likely propose a bill in 2016 that would allow cities and towns to collect a penny sales tax to finance infrastructure projects.
Under the proposal, each city’s officials could choose what projects need public funding and at what cost. Voters would then decide whether to increase the city’s sales tax by one cent temporarily to fund a bond for those projects. Once the project was fully funded, the sales tax would cease.
What part don’t they understand? Not only has the state legislature and voters rejected sales tax hikes, they really aren’t necessary to begin with. First off, ending the sales tax after a project is completed is one of the most hilarious things I have ever heard of. Just look at the 7th penny tax we have in Sioux Falls, used to pay down the Pavilion bonds. Well, the Pavilion has been paid off for quite awhile, guess what, we are still paying the tax (basically because the contractors did such a piss poor job on the building, we are spending millions each year in maintenance costs).
As for the whining about 100 year old pipes, I would suggest that the citizens of these towns elect intelligent people to lead them through creative prioritizing when it comes to budgeting, instead sticking their hands out while burying their heads in the sand. There are several Federal and State programs that can assist in these projects, in fact, the city of Sioux Falls borrows millions from the state each year for projects.
Just like funding education, this is about putting together a reasonable budget that takes care of the actual needs of citizenry instead of corporate welfare.
I don’t believe for a second this is about 100 year old pipes, this is about another money grab. The Municipal League needs to knock this shit off and drop the matter once and for all, and get back to finding ways municipal government can actually serve us prudently instead of bleeding us recklessly.
I purposely buy online almost everything. They can add a nickel tax. Doesn’t concern me. Shoot make it dollar for dollar tax if they’ll eliminate tax on food so I don’t have to go to Worthington for groceries.