Adair County supervisors consider LOST ballot option; county attorney to review legal limits

The Adair County Board of Supervisors discussed whether to place a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) measure on the November ballot that would allow LOST proceeds to be deposited into the General Fund rather than be restricted exclusively to bridges.

Supervisor Hoadley argued the measure could provide needed flexibility amid declining fund balances and uncertainty from a new 2% revenue cap, saying the county should plan now rather than wait for a budget crisis. Supervisor Christoffersen said revenues would first be deposited into the General Fund and then allocated as needed. Supervisor Baier asked for clarification on legal limits and how directing LOST revenue might affect equipment purchases and operations.

Supervisor Wedemeyer cautioned that the county has relied on LOST for Secondary Roads and bridge improvements and warned that redirecting funds could reduce future infrastructure investments; he said he preferred waiting several years and exploring cost savings before changing policy. Supervisor Walker acknowledged the historic role of LOST in funding bridge improvements.

A motion by Supervisor Hoadley to have the county attorney draft ballot language and review the issue failed for lack of a second, but the board nonetheless agreed the county attorney should examine legal restrictions, allowable uses of General Fund LOST revenues, and any required ballot language before the board decides whether to place a measure on the ballot.

Next steps: county attorney review; board will use legal guidance to determine whether to pursue a November ballot measure.