Sponsor seeks voter-approved public-safety tax for Lexington after fatal gas explosion; committee hears mixed views

Rep. Terry Thompson, the sponsor of House Bill 2431, told the House Local Government Committee the bill would let the city of Lexington place a voter-approved public-safety sales tax on the local ballot following a major gas leak and explosion that killed one person and injured several others.

"The sales tax will be used for public safety operations," Thompson said, and he told the committee the measure would not reduce existing police, fire or ambulance budgets but would provide additional funds subject to voter approval and oversight by a citizen committee.

Committee members questioned why the authority is not uniform statewide and noted similar measures are being filed; Thompson said work is underway on a statewide approach but that local options are needed now. Members also reviewed the fiscal note and flagged a small state implementation cost (the transcript notes a minimal Department of Revenue website update and oversight tracking cost).

Arnie C., a state public advocate, testified in opposition, arguing that adding local taxes increases the overall tax burden on Missourians and that the state faces large budget reductions in coming years; he urged caution about new levies. Several members praised the bill's targeted purpose and said it appeared appropriate for voter consideration.

The committee took public comment and closed the hearing on HB2431; no committee vote was recorded in the transcript.