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On August 2, voters in Stone County will decide whether to raise the sales tax by one-eighth of one cent to fund water quality projects. KSMU's Missy Shelton spoke with both supporters and opponents of the proposal and files this report.
The Stone County Commission placed the proposed sales tax increase on the ballot.
David Casaletto is the Executive Director of the Table Rock Lake Water Quality Incorporated, a non-profit organization that hopes to contract with the county to administer the program if the tax passes.
He says if approved, the money would help residents clean up their septic tanks.
There is opposition to the proposed tax hike.
The Board of Public Works for Village of Indian Point oppose the tax increase because the 588 residents of the village are paying for an upgraded system in their community.
Kathy Isaacs is the Village Superintendent.
Isaacs says the Village of Indian Point has been working a long time on a system to properly handle its sewage.
But supporters of the proposed tax increase like David Casaletto say the tax increase shouldn't pose a significant burden for residents.
Casaletto says revenue from the proposed tax will benefit other area waterways, not just Table Rock Lake.
He says with Stone County's growing population, it's time to help people update their systems.
If Stone County voters approve the sales tax increase, the loans and grants for upgrading wastewater treatment systems would only be available for existing systems. Systems for new homes would not qualify for funds.
Again, the one-eighth of one cent sales tax increase will be on the ballot in Stone County tomorrow.
