A proposed half-cent tax that would improve the city's storm water system and parks and recreation department took on shape during the Fulton City Council's regular meeting Tuesday.
The tax, which would help develop the city's 10-year Master Plan, has been under discussion since June, and if passed in April would generate $750,000 in revenue for various projects in the plan. This projection is based on $0.50 being paid on every $100 of purchases.
Parks and Recreation Director Clay Caswell told the board that while Columbia, Jefferson City and Boonville have similar taxes in place, this proposed tax would be the first of its kind locally to fund separate city projects.
The plan includes a multipurpose community center, five-field baseball complex and an outdoor aquatic center along with the city's storm water project needs, such as 32 miles of Fulton streets without curbs and gutters.
Council member Richard Vaughn commented that plans to build a ball field in Jefferson City have already received a lot of attention from local communities wishing to use the facility once it's completed - something which both Vaughn and Caswell suggested would be good for bringing additional revenue to Fulton.
"Looking at projections of cost and revenue, we think the ball field will generate enough revenue in two to three years that it will recover the cost of its construction," Caswell said.
Based on information provided in a brochure during the council meeting, the City of Fulton's primary source of revenue is through sales tax. Compared to other cities in Missouri, Fulton currently has one of the lowest sales tax rates at 7.725. The brochure will be made available to the public prior to the election.
Also discussed at the meeting was the controversial proposal for a city-wide burn on vegetation. Mayor LeRoy Benton received six calls against the proposal, while Vaughn received one in favor and one against.
During public comment resident Beverly Gray said she was against the burn as well.
"Can you imagine the L.A. smog covering the city of Fulton?" she asked the council.
Council member Wayne Chailland, a burn opponent, made a motion to drop discussion about allowing a city-wide burn of yard waste, which is against city ordinance. The motion was seconded and passed.
Instead, a motion was made to purchase 20,000 bags dedicated for yard waste for approximately $8,000, according to numbers from Solid Waste Manager J.C. Miller.
That motion passed and the city will move forward to purchase the bags.