Question 1: 1/4-cent sales tax extension

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Vote on April 8

On April 8, Belton voters will be asked if they want to continue the 1/4-cent emergency medical service and fire sales tax.

This sales tax generates nearly $1.7 million annually that directly funds 16 full-time Fire Department personnel. This is not a new sales tax. Voters originally approved the sales tax in 2006. Since then, calls for service have only increased and the sales tax has been critical to ensuring our community Fire Department has the staffing and resources needed to keep Belton and the surrounding region safe.

From 2006 to 2026

In 2006, voters were asked to approve a bond issue and a sales tax to help fund the construction of a new fire station and support the hiring of new fire fighters.

At the time, the City was growing rapidly and there was a need to help provide fire and EMS services to our community and the surrounding region. At the time, Belton had a population of roughly 21,000, but was growing. Today, more than 26,000 people call Belton home.

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Even with all the growth in our City Limits, the Fire Department serves more than just those who live in the community. Through mutual aid agreements and cooperative contracts, our EMS and Fire services cover more than 60 square miles around Belton and Cass County. And this does not consider the mount of time spent transporting individuals to hospitals around Kansas City - depending on the severity or need at the time. These are life saving services that are critical to the entire region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's on the ballot?

Belton voters will see this question on the April 8 ballot:

Question 1

Shall the City of Belton, Missouri, be authorized to eliminate the termination provision and continue to impose its one-fourth of one percent sales tax for the purpose of providing revenues for the operation of the City’s Emergency Services and Fire Department?

 

Why is the City doing this now?

When the 1/4-cent EMS/Fire Sales Tax was passed by voters in 2006, it included a 20-year sunset. The City does not have an election currently planned in 2026 and so it made sense to include Question 1 on this April's ballot, which also includes City Council elections.

There is a significant cost to holding an election with only one item and this was a way to place the question in front of voters and save tax payer dollars at the same time.

Is this a new tax?

No.

Belton voters approved the EMS/Fire Sales tax and bond issue to build and staff a new fire station in 2006. At the time, they placed a 20-year sunset on the tax. This would extend the same tax and remove the sunset provision as this revenue has been critical to paying the salaries for our EMS and Fire Fighters. 

 

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