Sales Tax Proposals

Ballot Basics

Sales tax proposals for public transportation, streets and infrastructure

Question #1

0.3 percent for streets and infrastructure

A special sales tax for public infrastructure and capital investment

A dedicated revenue source for streets, sidewalks, trails, equipment, and storm sewers. The sales tax revenue will help Lawrence catch up on the maintenance of residential streets and make improvements to high traffic streets. Projects include the North Lawrence stormwater pump station project; the Burroughs Creek rail to trail, fire trucks replacement, substantial additional investments in residential street maintenance and sidewalk projects, and the rehabilitation and rebuilding of several major arterial and collector streets.

Question #2

0.2 percent for public transportation

A special sales tax for public transit operations and capital investment

Public transportation in Lawrence travels throughout the community to businesses, educational institutions and employment areas. With a dedicated funding source, the City will have the resources to merge the transit system with the University of Kansas transit system – ensuring substantial continuing resources to serve both community and student needs in an integrated system.

Question #3

0.05 percent for public transportation, expanded

A special sales tax for public transit system enhancements

Additional dedicated resources for the transit system will provide for route enhancements and vehicle and facility improvements. Examples include increased bus service frequency on busy routes and alternative fuel buses.

The 0.05 percent sales tax is only effective if the 0.2 percent sales tax for transit also becomes effective. Voters can not approve only a 0.05 percent sales tax for transit purposes.

Why are sales taxes needed?

The 2007 Citizen Survey ranked street maintenance as the city service that should receive the most emphasis. 62% of respondents said street maintenance should receive the most increase in emphasis from the city.

Confirming the survey results, the city’s most recent engineering evaluation found 35.7% of city streets fall within the unacceptable range indicating a need to be reconstructed.

The city does not have adequate funds to replace aging fire trucks on a regular basis. Nine trucks in service exceed nationally recognized replacement standards and lack current safety and technology features.

Launched in 2000, the Lawrence Transit System provides fixed route and paratransit services (for individuals with disabilities) throughout the community. The system has utilized federal and state funds to match local property taxes for operations. The cost of operation, especially fuel, has increased and outpaced the growth in local property tax revenue.

What is on the ballot?

There are three questions on the Nov. 4 ballot

Question #1: a 0.3 percent for streets & infrastructure

Question #2: a 0.2 percent sales tax for transit

Question #3: a 0.05 percent sales tax for transit

The 0.05 percent sales tax is only effective if the 0.2 percent sales tax for transit also becomes effective. Voters can not approve only a 0.05 percent sales tax for transit purposes.

How much would the taxes generate?

All approved sales taxes will be effective April 1, 2009 and sunset in 10 years

Estimates for the first two years are as follows.

.30 percent for streets &
infrastructure

.20 percent for transit

.05 percent
for transit,
expansion*

2009, April to Dec.

$2,255,900

$1,504,000

$376,000

2010,

full year

$3,945,000

$2,629,800

$657,900

*The 0.05 percent sales tax is only effective if the 0.2 percent sales tax for transit also becomes effective. Voters can not approve only a 0.05 percent sales tax for transit purposes.

Links

Need more information? See the Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and contact information
Michael Dever, Mayor 865-4202, mdever@sunflower.com	Mike Amyx, Commissioner (h) 843-3089 (w) 842-9425 mikeamyx515@hotmail.com
Rob Chestnut, Vice-Mayor 764-3220, robchestnut@sunflower.com	Sue Hack, Commissioner 842-6608, suehack@sunflower.com
David Corliss, City Manager (w) 832-3400 (h) 842-6777 dcorliss@ci.lawrence.ks.us	Dennis "Boog" Highberger, Commissioner 843-0995, boog@lawrence.ixks.com