Cole County voters say yes to Prop A

Cole County residents have voted to renew a half-cent sales tax that has been in place since 1986.It’s expected to bring in more than $31 million in five years. The proposition gets voted on every five years. 5,254 voted in favor, 1393 voted against.

ABC 17 News got more information on what has been done in the last 30 years with the tax. More than 170 miles of gravel roads were paved with asphalt. Six large bridges, storm drains and guard rails were installed or replaced and two major routes were also improved.

Many supporters are in favor of renewing the bill, but despite the multimillion-dollar intake, the opposing side says the money isn’t being used properly.

Ed Williams, who is strongly against the proposition, believes that Jefferson City doesn’t need all the improvements that the county says it does. “If this is the most needed project needed in Cole County, we don’t need much,” he said.

Supporters of the proposition say they believe that Jefferson City does need it.”The intent of the sunset provision is simple, and that was to protect the interests of the Cole County voters and to place a time frame on the county that we want to see these projects done,” saidSam Bushman, Presiding Cole County commissioner. “I’m proud to say I think the county’s met every one that they’ve put on there.”

Jefferson City’s Chamber Board unanimously supports the extension.