the
City
of
Eureka
House of Cards
Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of meeting many concerned residents of both the City of Eureka and Greenwood County sharing their thoughts on the local sales tax renewal I have been discussing since this past summer. Although perspectives do vary on priorities, I have noticed a lot of confusion when I discuss the street sales tax renewal. First, many don’t realize the word “renewal” is the key; this is a renewal of something that already exists when you purchase something from any of the retailers throughout the community. The city is not asking for anything more than what is already being collected on your bill when you dine out, buy your groceries, or even buy your home essentials. Second, this does not change your property taxes. I repeat does not change your residential or commercial property tax. As a matter of fact, in September the city council voted to not raise property taxes for a second straight year in a row. The last time the city did raise property taxes was to help supplement the Library’s operations not the city’s operations. So basically what this means is that the city leaders chose not to raise your taxes for your property which each of those voting members also pay. Third, this sale tax renewal is not related to Highway 54/River Street almost. Even though Highway 54 passes through our city this 1% sales tax up for renewal is to fix all of the residential and side streets not the highway. The Highway Tax is used to pay debt that is being paid off through nearly 2040, and that is where the other 1% of the city’s sales tax is earmarked. If you noticed a few sentences back I said the word “almost.” Well any other maintenance around the city including sidewalks, storm sewers, bridges and even the work on Highway 54, the 1% sales tax up for renewal helps offset those costs of the materials, equipment, and manpower to fix those projects around the city. Finally, it’s hard to believe how much 1% actually impacts the city’s overall operating budget, but it really does. If the sales tax is not renewed in November, one of the foundation cards of the city’s House of Cards will be removed and will force the city officials to watch the stability of the rest of those cards potentially fall. Some of those very services and offerings you may value may be very difficult to maintain in the city in 2025. Some of those tough decisions will need to be made by the city’s elected body. I ask you, if you have any doubt or question the validity of the importance of the sales tax renewal please join me one last time on Oct. 30 at the library. Also, if you have access to the internet check out the city’s Facebook page where I have streamed a previous informational meeting on this topic. The city’s website also has a lot of data regarding the information you may find useful regarding the impact of the 1% sales tax renewal. Lastly, swing by City Hall as we have informational sheets available discussing a variety of the topics about the 1% sales tax renewal and if I am available I’ll be glad to answer any of your inquiries. I hope to see you on October to hear your thoughts and your “VOICE” your Visions On Improving the City of Eureka.
