**VOTE YES ON APRIL 8, 2014 – Prop. 1 and Prop. 2**
BE INFORMED OF THE CURRENT SALES TAX PROPOSALS AND SHARE THIS POST TO INFORM OTHERS:
Since 2001, Pemiscot County has incurred budgets deficits that have exceeded the general revenue fund by $923,870.91. In the last five years, the average deficit was $104,901.43.
Over the past few years, all county elected officials have worked together to reduce expenses as much as possible. All vehicles used by the Sheriff’s Dept. are purchased solely from the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund (monies from court costs paid by criminal defendants), not from Pemiscot County taxpayers. All county offices have reduced their staff to bare minimum.
The commissioners and all other elected officials agree that no further cuts can be made without sacrificing critical services to the community.
WHAT CAN BE DONE NOW?
On April 8, 2014, the voters of Pemiscot County will be asked to vote YES on two ballot referendums for a 1% Emergency Services sales tax, and a 0.25% Law Enforcement Services sales tax.
The Emergency Services tax will provide dispatch and 911 services at no cost to the cities, alleviating the already strained cities’ budgets to pay for these services.
The Law Enforcement Services tax will be limited to the operation of the jail, and the offices of the Sheriff and Prosecutor Attorney, thus relieving general revenue, which currently pays those expenses.
WHAT HAS CAUSED THIS FINANCIAL CRISIS?
*Decline in State of Missouri reimbursements to Pemiscot County for housing prisoners and other services
*Decline in Federal prisoners housed in Pemiscot County, thus reducing funds generated from this service
*Increase in operating expenses for Pemiscot County consistent with the rate of inflation
*Fees paid by cities for dispatch/jail services provided to these cities are less than the actual cost for said services, creating an annual ongoing deficit
*No 911 tax on cell phones, of which the State of Missouri is the only state NOT collecting this tax on cell phones – only landline phones have said tax, and many homes no longer have land lines
*Declining population of Pemiscot County, which means less revenue generated by sales tax
HOW WILL IT IMPACT PEMISCOT COUNTY?
If these referendums pass, these taxes would greatly benefit Pemiscot County. With two major interstates, a large percentage of sales tax revenues will be generated by out-of-county travelers. Also, many residents travel to other cities to shop, despite paying higher sales tax rates, in addition to mileage, travel expenses, and travel time. Shopping local will generate $1.25 for every $100 spent, and online shopping will not be taxed.
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AREA SALES TAX COMPARISION (if both propositions pass for Pemiscot County)
*Source: Pemiscot County Clerk
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Cape Girardeau: 7.975%
Kennett: 7.975%
**Wardell: 7.975%
**Caruthersville: 8.225%
**Hayti: 8.975%
**Steele: 8.975%
Jonesboro, AR: 9.000%
Memphis, TN: 9.250%
Blytheville, AR: 9.500%
Dyersburg, TN: 9.750%
Jackson, TN: 9.750%
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IF THE TAXES DO NOT PASS:
*911 services eliminated – outdated 911 system currently recognizes calls based on the tower the call hits, rather than the actual location of the call
*Closing of the county jail, which will lead to more non-violent criminals remaining free until their actual court date
*Responsibility of jailing and dispatching services will belong to the cities, thus increasing each city’s operating expenses
*Cuts in services will impact the decline in other areas of Pemiscot County, such as road & bridge
*Long term effects, such as decrease in commercial and residential property values, and population
WHEN IS THE ELECTION?
The election is TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014. Vote “YES” on Proposition 1 and Proposition 2.
PEMISCOT COUNTY NEEDS YOUR HELP
We need your help to bring a long-term, sustainable solution to the current financial crisis facing Pemiscot County. We thank you for your consideration, and welcome any questions or concerns you may have.
Jim A. Atchison, Presiding Commissioner
Steve Watkins, Commissioner
Ben H. Baker, Commissioner
Tommy Greenwell, Sheriff
Bill Carter, Prosecuting Attorney
Pam Treece, County Clerk
Kelly Maners, Circuit Clerk
Carol Miller, Public Administrator
Patsy Hinklin, Assessor
Pam Strawbridge, Recorder of Deeds
Frankie Stewart, Treasurer
Terry Swinger, Collector
Jim Brimhall, Coroner
VOTE “YES” on TUESDAY, APRIL 8th – Prop. 1 and Prop. 2
Paid for by Pemiscot County Sales Tax Committee