Smithville aldermen approve sales tax ballot language and pass budget amendment

Smithville aldermen voted to place ballot language for a half-percent public safety sales tax before voters and approved a fiscal-year 2025 budget amendment at their recent meeting.

Alderman Atkins moved to approve bill 3052-25, described in the meeting as an ordinance "imposing a sales tax for public safety purposes at the rate of one half of 1% pursuant to section 94.903 RSMo and providing for submission of the proposal to the qualified voters of the city for their approval at the April" (date not specified in the transcript). The motion passed 4-1. Alderman Russell cast the lone no vote. During roll call, Aldermen Kabilski, Atkins, Wilson and Shipley voted yes; Russell voted no.

The council also approved bill 3053-25, an emergency ordinance amending the fiscal year 2025 operating budget to add $34,131.33 to the general fund expenditures and $156,000 to the…