Columbia city leaders to discuss a proposed 1% sales tax increase for public safety
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia city leaders are set to discuss a proposed 1% sales tax increase to help fund operations and public safety improvements at Monday night's pre-council meeting.
The plan is expected to bring in an additional $38.6 million for the city to help pay for more police officers and firefighters.
According to a presentation for the meeting, the goal is to hire 50 police officers and 40 firefighters over the next four years. The tax would also fund a new police facility, vehicles, and two fire stations and trucks. It is also expected to bring renovations and upgraded technology for the fire and police departments.
Additionally, some of the money would go towards funding for police and fire pension plans. The current funding gap is 51% for the police pension and 57% for the firefighters' pension.
If the 1% sales use tax were to go into effect, the presentation provides examples of the increase:
- $4 Cup of Coffee: Additional four cents ($4.32 to $4.36)
- $12 Meal: Additional 12 cents ($12.96 to $13.08)
- $100 Grocer/Retail Purchase: Additional $1 ($107.98 to $108.98)
About 32% of collected sales tax revenue comes from visitors from outside Columbia.
Monday's pre-council meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in City Hall.
