City Council places 1/2 cent Transportation Tax Renewal on November 07 ballot
On August 14th the City Council voted to place the 1/2% Transportation Sales Tax Renewal on the November 07, 2017 ballot. The 1/2% sales tax is a tax that applies to qualified purchases made in Lebanon.
| Official Ballot Language Shall the City Ordinance for the continuation of a sales tax for transportation purposes be approved?
Ordinance No. 5642 of the City of Lebanon, Missouri, passed August 14, 2017 continues a City Sales Tax for a period of ten years from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2029, at the rate of one-half percent (½%) on the receipts from the sale at retail of all tangible personal property or taxable services at retail, if such property and service are subject to local sales tax imposed by the City of Lebanon, Missouri.
This is not a new tax, or an increase in rate, but a continuance of the current tax which will remain in effect until January 1, 2029.
 YES
 NO
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: If you are in favor of the question, darken the oval next to the word “YES”. If you are opposed to the question, darken The oval next to the word “NO”. |
Frequently Asked Questions about the 1/2 cent Transportation Sales Tax Renewal
Is this a new tax? Are my taxes going up?
No! This is not a new tax or a tax increase. It is a continuation of an existing tax that Lebanon voters first approved in 1984 for a period of 5 years. The tax was subsequently extended 4 times for additional 5 year terms in 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004. In 2009, voters approved a 10 year extension, which is set to expire on January 01, 2019. If the extension is approved, the sales tax rate will remain the same and not increase.
What is the imposed Transportation Sales Tax rate? Who pays this tax?
The Transportation Sales Tax is imposed at a rate of 1/2 of 1%, or a half cent. Anyone making a purchase that qualifies for sales tax pays this tax. This includes out of town travelers who use our roads while driving to the Lake of the Ozarks and Bennett Spring State Park.
How much does the City of Lebanon receive annually from the Transportation Sales Tax?
The Transportation Sales Tax makes up approximately 75% of the City's normal Street Fund revenue. For FY18, it is projected to bring in approximately $1,700,000.
Why is this tax important to the citizens of Lebanon?
The Transportation Sales Tax makes up the vast majority of the money allocated each year for street improvements, including mill and overlay projects, street reconstruction, and more. Without this money, the City will not be able to afford many planned projects and will be forced to minimize street repair programs. As a result, our transportation network will begin to deteriorate. This could have a negative effect on business and retail attraction and could harm business retention efforts as well. A poor street network leads to increased wear and tear on all vehicles as well.
What projects has the Transportation Sales Tax been used to fund in the past?
The Transportation Sales Tax has been used to fund almost every major road project in the last 30 years in Lebanon, including the following:
- Elm Street Expansion/Renovation
- Brice Street/LHS street frontage including crosswalks, resurfacing, and renovation
- Washington Avenue resurfacing
- Main Street resurfacing
- Jefferson Avenue sidewalk improvements
- Grant Avenue, Heavener Avenue, and Catherine Street projects
- Tower Road resurfacing and curb installation
- Harwood Avenue resurfacing
- Morgan Road roundabout
- Beck Lane resurfacing
What projects does the City anticipate executing if the Transportation Sales Tax is renewed on November 07?
The City first adopted a Street Maintenance Master Plan in 2012 that identified the projects listed above as priorities for the City and its residents. The 2017 Street Maintenance Master Plan has done the same for future projects. Some identified needs are presented below.
Street Surface Needs
Tax revenues will go toward the continuous upkeep and maintenance of street surfaces and specific projects will be outlined in the Capital Improvement Plan that is adopted by Council each year. The 2017 Street Maintenance Master Plan outlines projects and needs through 2022 for adoption into the CIP and eventually the annual budget.
Sidewalk Expansions
Some proposed expansions and improvements to the City's sidewalk network that will be funded through the Transportation Sales Tax are:
- New Buffalo Road
- East Bland
- Millcreek Road
- Kent Drive
- Maple Lane
- Van Buren
Intersection Improvements
The City has several intersections that require improvements to foster a safer transportation network or to address capacity issues, including:
- Highway MM - Cowan Drive - Millcreek Road
- Highway 5 and Fremont Road signalization
- Highway 64 and Rolling Hills Road
- Highway 32 and Tower Road signalization