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Community survey shows about 55% support for proposed 1/4% Centre sales tax; council hears tourism audit
Summary
An ETC Institute survey presented to the Rolla City Council indicated roughly 55% possible support for a proposed 1/4% sales tax for The Centre. The council received the survey results and a tourism audit showing $710,313 in hotel/motel‑tax net assets; the sales‑tax ordinance was read on first reading for the August ballot.
An ETC Institute community survey presented by Ryan Murray indicated approximately 55% possible support among Rolla respondents for a proposed 1/4% sales tax to fund operations and improvements at The Centre, city staff told the Rolla City Council on May 4.
City Administrator Keith Riesberg and staff are seeking voter approval to fund an exercise/therapy pool, a recreation/family pool and multipurpose rooms for youth and adult programming, according to the ordinance read on first reading by City Counselor James Klahr. The ordinance would place a proposition on the Aug. 4 ballot asking qualified city voters to approve the tax.
Amanda Wiggins, CPA with Kean Wiggins & Company, presented the city's 2025 Tourism Audit, noting that funding received from the hotel/motel tax showed total net assets of $710,313 as of Dec. 31, 2025.
Nut graf: The survey results and audit provide background as the council considers whether to place the sales‑tax question before voters; the ordinance was read for a first reading but requires subsequent council action and voter approval to take effect.
During citizen comments Collin Gentry asked the council for greater transparency on details of the ballot measure, specifically development costs and possible impacts on membership fees; the minutes record the request but do not describe a staff response at the meeting.
Next steps: the ordinance for the ballot measure was read on first reading; if the council advances it it will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot for voter consideration.
