By Samantha Santos
In Butler, MO on November 5, 2019, polls in Butler will be at the old high school on Pine Street between the hours of 6am and 7pm.
On the ballot is a 1 cent increase in the local sales tax that would go into the general fund if passed. If the tax is denied, city hall officials say they will have to make “dangerous cuts.” These cuts could make Butler’s homes, businesses, citizens, and visitors less safe in a number of ways. They have explained the reason for the tax being a sales tax is that it would generate the most revenue while negatively affecting the citizens the least out of all potential options.
Thousands of people drive by Butler on their daily commutes. As a sales tax, those persons that stop, as well as other visitors,would be contributing to the benefit of the city. At the town hall meeting on October 28th it was also pointed out that a sales tax is a better solution in ensuring a rate that is fair as far as wealth distribution is concerned, due to the simple fact that people with more money tend to spend more money. Plus, if Butler can get into a financial situation where it can take care of itself and make improvements rather than just being in debt, it can encourage local spending.
Other towns around Butler as well as towns of similar size already have higher rates than Butler’s will be, even if raised, largely due to the fact that Butler’s rates have remained stagnant and not accounted for inflation or growth over the last few decades.
Putting the revenue earned through the sales tax into the general fund is not so the city’s council and employees can spend it without regard for citizen’s needs. Many times since the tax has been proposed, city hall members have assured this. The main reason the general fund is the desirable location for the money is to land, is because it enables Butler’s previously elected peoplesto spend money as necessary rather than designating it for something specific and having more prevalent, and often unanticipated needs crop up that cannot then be covered. It is worth noting that this is also the account that pays the wages of the local safety departments, such as fire and police.
The local government can encourage you to go out and vote, but they are not allowed to pay to sway your decision one way or another. However, being presented with the facts, it is clear that they prefer for this mere 1 cent increase to pass.
Most importantly, you can be an educated voter and get to the OLD high school gym today (November 5, 2019) between 6am and 7pm!
