Board OKs Business Loop sales tax for December ballot

Voters have a chance to decide on a half-cent sales tax this December, which will apply to stores on parts of the Business Loop in central Columbia.

ABC 17 News confirmed the Business Loop Community Improvement District board voted on Thursday to set a special election for December 1, with a back-up date of December 8, if Boone County officials need more time.

The board encountered problems earlier this summer, after discovering a single registered voter, Jen Henderson, an MU student, lived within the boundaries. The district was designed to only include property owners as the sole voters on issues.

The extra sales tax is expected to bring in over $200,000 a year, which would then go to fund improvements along the Business Loop. The CID already has more than $100,000 in debt for start-up costs since April.