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Monett approves ending Aquatic Center sales tax, replaces it with voter‑approved Parks sales tax
Summary
The Monett City Council approved an ordinance to end the Aquatic Center sales tax and implement a voter‑approved Parks sales tax at the same quarter‑cent rate; officials said the Aquatic Center debt is expected to be retired later this year and the new tax will go into effect Oct. 1.
The Monett City Council voted to abolish the existing Aquatic Center sales tax and implement the recently approved Parks sales tax at the same quarter‑cent rate, staff said Wednesday. The ordinance ends the Aquatic Center tax effective Sept. 30 and activates the Parks sales tax Oct. 1 to fund parks operations and improvements.
City staff told the council the Aquatic Center debt is expected to be paid off later this year and that state rules require 90 days' notice to the Department of Revenue to end or begin a tax on a quarter boundary, which is why the change is timed for the end of September. A staff estimate cited revenue of roughly $500,000–$600,000 a year from the parks tax; council members said they plan to hold public meetings this summer and fall to gather community input on how to prioritize those dollars.
Council members said funds originally intended for the Aquatic Center would be available in the new parks fund and could still be used for maintenance of the Aquatic Center if the community supports that use. The council asked staff to begin scheduling community meetings to solicit public input on spending priorities once the Parks tax is in effect.
The measure passed on second reading following public explanation and roll call.
