ElectionWednesday, November 4
Jefferson City voters approve a bigger public safety sales tax
The Daily Jefferson City team
If you shop in Jefferson City, your sales tax rate is heading to 8.1% from 7.85%. Voters approved an additional quarter-cent public safety sales tax Tuesday, 8,020 to 6,382, according to Cole County Clerk's office records.
Jefferson City voters approved the public safety sales tax
Per Cole County Clerk's office records
Public safety sales tax increase
Source: KOMU 8
View as table
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public safety sales tax increase | Yes, won | 8,020 | 55.7% |
| Public safety sales tax increase | No | 6,382 | 44.3% |
Before the election, the council approved a non-binding agreement with the police and fire unions that sends 55% of the new revenue to police and 45% to fire. The council keeps final say on how it's spent. Police Officers Association president Jason Ambler said last week that "the funds are not keeping up with the expenditures," and he pointed to the department's $53,345 starting salary, against $60,611 at Columbia police.
- Takes effect: April 1, 2027
- Expected revenue: about $3.625 million a year
- Per $100 spent: 50 cents, up from 25 cents
- Could pay for: salaries, benefits, equipment, facilities, 911 operations