Neosho council discusses placing use tax on April ballot to help fund aquatic center

City staff told the Neosho City Council it was not seeking a vote but wanted input on placing a use tax on the April ballot to generate local revenue for a proposed aquatic center.

"We're not looking for a vote; we're looking more for input, recommendations," said Mr. Kennedy, who introduced an ordinance prepared by Mr. Schneider to put a municipal use tax question before voters. Staff described the discussion as preparatory: certification deadlines and ordinance language must be finalized in January if the city is to meet ballot-timing requirements.

Staff presented rough revenue estimates tied to a 3% use tax: "At 3% last year it would have been about $450,000; the year prior about $225,000," and current-year figures were described as estimates. Staff also said online purchases and out-of-area vehicle sales shift tax dollars away from Neosho. "Hundreds of Amazon trucks driving around town every day... are utilizing our infrastructure," Mr. Kennedy said, arguing local collections could better support streets, parks and public safety.

Councillors questioned whether a general use tax should be tied to a specific project. One council member said past proposals failed in part because voters were not convinced the revenue would fund a defined purpose; another argued that explicit ties to an aquatic center and community education would improve voter support. Staff said the city does not yet have a conceptual design or final cost for an aquatic center, though earlier estimates discussed in the meeting put the project above $10 million; staff said detailed design and cost estimates remain "not specified" and will be provided to council when available.

Council members asked staff to review the draft ordinance, clarify certification dates, and return recommendations. If the council proceeds, staff indicated the ordinance must be filed by mid-January to appear on the April ballot.