What did the Nov. 3, 2009, Clay County ballot include?
Clay County voters were asked to extend the existing one-eighth cent sales tax for law enforcement services for 12 years with a 2022 sunset.
Did the Law Enforcement Sales Tax pass?
The measure passed on November 3, 2009, with 70.84% of ballots cast.
Is this a new tax?
No. The eighth-cent sales tax has been in effect since 1998. The November 3rd ballot question asks voters to extend the current Law Enforcement Sales Tax for Clay County.
What has the Law Enforcement Sales Tax been used for since its approval?
The Law Enforcement Sales Tax, approved February 3, 1998, paid for the renovation and expansion of the Clay County Detention Center, nearly doubling its daily inmate housing capacity from 208 to 397. In 2008, more than 5,000 inmates were booked into the Clay County Jail. Besides bond payments for the construction of the jail expansion and renovation, Law Enforcement Sales Tax funds provide ongoing maintenance, operations, security and staffing for the expanded jail
Clay County inmate housing is available to cities within Clay County, including Claycomo, Excelsior Springs, Gladstone, Kearney, Liberty, Mosby, North Kansas City, Oakview, Pleasant Valley, Randolph, Smithville, and occasionally Kansas City.
How will the Law Enforcement Sales Tax be used?
Revenues from the Law Enforcement Sales Tax will continue maintenance, operations and security of the expanded jail, including the incarceration of Clay County criminals. Additionally, revenues will pay for other law enforcement services.
Will the sales tax pay for only law enforcement operating costs?
Yes. State law requires that all funds raised from this sales tax be used exclusively for law enforcement services
Additionally, third-party audits are conducted annually on the Law Enforcement Sales Tax fund to ensure compliance with state law
Does the sales tax pay for all law enforcement operating costs?
No. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax generates about one-third of the required revenues to support law enforcement for Clay County. Existing revenue sources pay for the balance
How much does the Law Enforcement Sales Tax generate?
Clay County received bout $3.4 million in 2008. Projections for 2009 indicate about $3.1 million in revenues will be received this year.
How much will the Law Enforcement Sales Tax cost citizens?
The rate is the same as when the Law Enforcement Sales Tax was approved in 1998. On a $100 purchase, the amount is 12.5 cents.
Who will pay the Law Enforcement Sales Tax?
Anyone who purchaces goods or services is subject to sales tax in Clay County.