In 2000, voters passed Columbia’s first dedicated Park Sales Tax, which took effect on April 1, 2001. Information about the Park Sales Tax – its history, purpose, rate, projects funded, and subsequent ballots is provided below.
- What is the Park Sales Tax?
- What is the Park Sales Tax rate in Columbia and how much revenue does it generate?
- What is the Park Sales Tax used for?
- Can the Park Sales Tax be used to fund street improvements, Fire, Police, or for any other non-park related use?
- 2015 Park Sales Tax
- 2010 Park Sales Tax
- 2005 Park Sales Tax
- 2000 Park Sales Tax
Land purchase and development
funded by the Park Sales Tax
Land purchase and development
funded in part by the Park Sales Tax
Renovation funded by the Park Sales Tax
What is the Park Sales Tax?
The Columbia Park Sales Tax is a dedicated sales tax for local parks applied to all retail sales made within the city of Columbia that are subject to taxation under the provision of Sections 144.010 to 144.525 RSMo. All revenue received from the local Park Sales Tax is used…
“solely for local parks for the City, in order to purchase, improve and manage parks, trails and natural lands for water quality, wildlife, tree preservation, and recreation purposes.”
(See City Ordinance #16686 passed on December 4, 2000.)
The authority to pass a local park sales tax is granted pursuant to Section 644.032 RSMo. Missouri Statutes allow for up to 1/2 of 1% on retail sales to be dedicated for local parks.
Storm water control funded by Park Sales Tax
Funded in part by the Park Sales Tax
What is the Park Sales Tax rate in Columbia and how much revenue does it generate?
The current Park Sales Tax rate in Columbia is 1/4 of 1%, or simply 1/4 of one penny. This 1/4-cent is further divided into two separate categories:
- 1/8 of 1 cent: Permanent.
Generates about $3 million/year. - 1/8 of 1 cent: Renewable, with a sunset. This 1/8-cent tax was renewed in 2015 and is set to expire March 31, 2022. Generates about $3 million/year.
What is the Park Sales Tax used for?
Permanent 1/8 cent Park Sales Tax Primarily used to support the Parks and Recreation Department’s operations budget and to pay off long-term debt from park land purchases.
Renewable 1/8 cent Park Sales Tax
Main funding source for Parks and Recreation capital improvement projects. Capital projects are maintenance, renovation, development and acquisition projects that cost $5,000 and greater. The Park Sales Tax is also used as matching funds for federal and state grants, which supplement Parks and Recreation capital improvement projects.
The renewable 1/8 cent Park Sales Tax is used to fund:
- Green Space Preservation – The Park Sales Tax is the only dedicated source of funding the City of Columbia has for preserving green space. It is used to purchase land for parks, greenbelts, stream buffer, and natural areas.
- Maintaining Existing Parks – The Park Sales Tax funds the major repairs, renovations, and replacements to Columbia’s existing parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
- Improving Existing Parks – The Park Sales Tax is used to add amenities in existing parks, trails and recreation facilities. Past examples include replacing port-a-pots with restrooms at Cosmo Park and at the trailheads at Grindstone and Garth Nature Areas, lighting four tennis courts at Cosmo-Bethel, and installing a playground near the reservable shelter at Fairview Park.
- New Development – The Park Sales Tax funds the development of new parks, trails, and recreation facilities.
Funded by the Park Sales Tax & RTP Grant
(Before replacement, the 100+-year-old MKT bridges 12 & 13 were closed to vehicle traffic due to deteriorating wooden supports. During that time, ambulances and vehicles used to maintain the trail could not access the area of the trail between bridges 12 & 13.)
Sagging from deteriorating wood
Replacement funded by the Park Sales Tax
Can the Park Sales Tax be used to fund street improvements, Fire, Police, or for any other non-park related use?
No, by law the Park Sales Tax can only be used for local parks.
- See MO State Statute: Section 644.032 RSMo
- See City Ordinance #16686 passed on December 4, 2000.
Whenever the 1/8-cent Park Sales Tax comes up for renewal, voters can opt to extend the Park Sales Tax or not, but the funds cannot be diverted for non-park use. However, having a dedicated funding source for parks frees up more funding for street improvements, Fire, and Police from the General Fund and 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Tax.
2015 Park Sales Tax
What is the history of the 2015 Park Sales Tax ballot?
Before the 2015 Park Sales Tax ballot, the 1/8-cent renewable Park Sales Tax was set to expire March 31, 2016. A citizen survey was conducted in spring 2015 to gauge citizen support for the renewal of the Park Sales Tax, renewal time frame, and types of projects that might be funded by the renewal. (See survey results)
An ordinance was approved at the August 16, 2015 City Council Meeting to place the renewal of the Park Sales Tax for six more years on the November 3, 2015 ballot (identified as Proposition 1). (See related Council items.) The ballot language was as follows:
PROPOSITION 1
Shall the municipality of Columbia, Missouri impose a sales tax of one-eight of one percent, for six (6) years, for the purpose of providing funding for local parks for the municipality?The current one fourth of one percent local park sales tax is scheduled to be reduced to one-eighth of one percent on March 31, 2016. Approval of this proposition would keep the local park sales tax rate at one-fourth of one percent for an additional six (6) years.
The city intends to use this sales tax to fund projects in the city’s parks, recreation and open space master plan including renovations and improvements to existing parks, development of neighborhood and community parks, development of trails and greenbelts, and the acquisition of land for parks, trails, greenbelts and open space preservation.
After collecting public input, the City Council passed a resolutionopens PDF file at the August 17, 2015 Council Meeting authorizing a specific list of projects to be accomplished with the 2015 Park Sales Tax funds, if Proposition 1 was approved by voters.
For the first time in its history, the renewal of the Park Sales Tax was on a single ballot election. On Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Proposition 1 passed with 70.71% in favor (6,051 votes in favor and 2,506 against), winning in all six wards and all precincts.*
| 2015 PARK SALES TAX ELECTION RESULTS* | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WARD | # VOTES | YES | NO | ||
| 1 | 979 | 747 | 76.30% | 232 | 23.70% |
| 2 | 1,153 | 723 | 62.71% | 430 | 37.29% |
| 3 | 1,005 | 655 | 65.17% | 350 | 34.83% |
| 4 | 3,019 | 2,277 | 75.42% | 742 | 24.58% |
| 5 | 1,669 | 1,117 | 66.93% | 552 | 33.07% |
| 6 | 638 | 459 | 71.94% | 179 | 28.06% |
| Absentees | 94 | 73 | 77.66% | 21 | 22.34% |
| TOTALS | 8,557 | 6,051 | 70.71% | 2,506 | 29.29% |
* Note: Official election results had 3 more votes (3 “yes” votes) than was initially reported in the media.
See also Council Item: 2015 Ballot – 1/8-Cent Park Sales Tax Renewal.
See Related News Articles:
- Park commission declares priority projects
Columbia Missourian – November 20, 2015 - Columbia parks sales tax wins renewal
Columbia Daily Tribune – November 4, 2015 - Voters renew sales tax to fund improvements to city parks
Columbia Missourian – November 3, 2015 - Early voters largely supportive of parks tax
Columbia Missourian – November 3, 2015 - Park tax ballot draws low turnout in Columbia
Columbia Daily Tribune – November 3, 2015 - City hopes to make Atkins complex its premier baseball facility
Columbia Missourian – October 28, 2015 - Columbia park sales tax up for renewal Tuesday
Columbia Daily Tribune – November 1, 2015 - Guest Commentary: Park sales tax renewal good for community
Columbia Missourian – October 28, 2015 - Battle Avenue Park in line for funding from parks tax
Columbia Missourian – October 27, 2015 - $400,000 in repairs and improvements to park hinge on tax renewal
Columbia Missourian – October 27, 2015 - Muleskinners voice support of park sales tax proposal
Columbia Daily Tribune- October 24, 2015 - With sales tax extension, new field house would support Columbia youth sports
Columbia Missourian – October xx, 2015 - Gans and Philips parks in line for new amenities if park tax passes
Columbia Missourian – October 21, 2015 - City boasts solid track record on parks tax projects as it seeks second extension
Columbia Missourian – October 17, 2015 - Park sales tax proposal would fund $18.4 million in projects
Columbia Daily Tribune – October 17, 2015 - Why do we need a continuous funding source for parks?
Columbia Daily Tribune – October 11, 2015 - As parks vote approaches, city officials say dedicated taxes needed
Columbia Daily Tribune – October 10, 2015 - Park sales tax renewal to appear on November ballot
Columbia Daily Tribune – August 18, 2015 - Council members discuss budget, roll carts, paying for police and parks
Columbia Missourian – August 18, 2015
What projects are funded by the 2015 Park Sales Tax?
The City Council approved a list projects to be funded by the 2015 Park Sales Tax at the August 17, 2015 Council Meeting.
Thirty-four projects are specifically identified, whereas many others will be completed with “Annual” Park Sales Tax funding. The projects to be completed with “Annual” funding are identified annually through the Capital Improvement Program as part of the City’s budget process. Other projects may come forward mid-year through the City Council process.
Click on the links below to find out more details about each project and its status. Links are set up as the projects become active in their respective funding fiscal years.
| PROJECT DESCRIPTION | ORIGINAL BALLOT AMOUNT | CATEGORY |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition/Land Preservation Category | $2,625,000 | |
| Annual Land Acquisition: Parks, Greenways, and Natural Areas | $2,025,000^ | Majority of funding in FY 2022 |
| Annual Trails: Acquisition, Improvements, and Grant Match Funding | $600,000 | Completed 19 projects and 1 trail easement acquisition Partial funding in FY2021 & 2022 |
| Improvements to Existing Parks Category | $8,275,000 | |
| Annual Roads and Parking Improvements | $900,000 | Completed 6 projects + various parking lot repairs Partial funding in FY2021 & 2022 |
| Annual City/School Playground Improvements | $195,000 | Completed 5 school projects Partial funding in FY 2021 & 2022 |
| Annual Park Improvements – Major Maintenance | $975,000 | Completed 9 projects Partial funding in FY 2021 & 2022 |
| ADA Compliance Phase II | $150,000 | Completed 13 projects 2017-2020 Partial funding in FY 2021 &2022 |
| Again St. Park Improvements | $100,000 | Funded FY 2021* |
| Albert-Oakland Park Improvements | $300,000 | FY2017 Project Completed FY2021 Project Remains |
| American Legion Park Improvements | $100,000 | Completed 2018 |
| Antimi Sports Complex Improvements | $450,000 | Completed 2018 |
| Atkins Baseball Complex: Phase III Improvements | $650,000 | Completed 2017 |
| Clary-Shy Park Improvements | $400,000 | Playground and MU Health Care Pavilion Phase I Completed 2019 |
| Clyde Wilson Park Improvements | $50,000 | Completed 2019 |
| Cosmo Rec Area: Football and Soccer Improvements | $200,000 | Completed 2018 |
| Cosmo Rec Area: Parks Management Center Improvements | $200,000 | Funding reallocated to emergency Hickman Pool HVAC project |
| Cosmo-Bethel Park Improvements | $125,000 | Tennis Court Renovation Completed 2019; Parking Improvements Remain |
| Douglass Park: Phase II Improvements | $225,000 | Completed 2018 |
| Fairview Park/Bonnie View Improvements | $125,000 | Planning Stage |
| Gans Creek Recreation Area Improvements | $600,000 | Concession and Restroom Facility Completed 2018 Cross Country Course Completed 2019 Large Shelter Construction Underway |
| Indian Hills Park Improvements | $100,000 | Completed 2017 |
| Kiwanis Park Improvements | $125,000 | Construction Underway |
| Lions-Stephens Park Improvements | $100,000 | Completed 2019 |
| McKee St. Park Improvements | $75,000 | Completed 2017 |
| MKT Wetlands/Forum Nature Area Restoration | $80,000 | Funded FY 2021* |
| Nifong Park Improvements | $250,000 | Completed 2017 |
| Norma Sutherland Smith Park: Phase II Improvements | $225,000 | Nearing Completion |
| Oakwood Hills Park Improvements | $125,000 | Completed 2019 |
| Philips Park Improvements – Pavilion | $800,000 | Planning Stage |
| Rock Bridge Park Improvements | $125,000 | Funded FY 2021* |
| SE Regional Park Tennis Complex | $250,000 | Council Approved, USTA Grant Awarded |
| Strawn Park: Phase II Improvements | $200,000 | IP Meeting Held 11/20/19 |
| Worley St. Park Improvements | $75,000 | Planning Stage |
| Annual Funding | $900,000 | |
| Annual Maintenance Equipment Replacement | $500,000 | Ongoing |
| Annual Scholarship Program | $400,000 | Ongoing |
| New Facility/Park Development Category | $3,220,220 | |
| Battle Park Phase I Development | $320,000^^ | 2020 funding postponed Funded 2021* |
| Sports Fieldhouse | $2,700,000 | Completed 2019 |
| Magnolia Falls Park Development | $125,000 | Construction Scheduled in 2020 |
| The Vineyards/El Chaparral Lake/Park Development | $75,000 | Funded FY 2021* |
| Trails and Greenbelts Category | $2,880,000 | |
| Perche Creek Trail Phase I | $1,200,000 | Planning Stage |
| Chapel Hill Connector – Perche Creek Trail | $500,000^^ | Funding postponed due to COVID-19 |
| Hinkson Creek Trail – Stephens to Clark Lane | $950,000 | Construction Scheduled in 2020 |
| MKT Bridge Replacements | $230,000 | Completed 2018 |
| Contingency | $500,000** | |
| TOTAL 5 YEAR PARK SALES TAX PROJECTS | $18,400,000 | |
Status updated as of 7/21/2020
^Original funding amount will be reduced for land acquisition due to lower than originally projected Park Sales Tax revenues and adverse revenue impact of COVID-19
* Pending Council approval
** Contingency funds not available due to lower than originally projected Park Sales Tax revenues
^^ Funding reduced or postponed due to impact of COVID-19
Which wards are the 2015 Park Sales Tax projects located in?
There are projects for all six wards. (See map below.) In addition to the projects specifically identified, there will be many more projects potentially for each ward accomplished with the “Annual” Park Sales Tax funds.
opens IMAGE file What is the implementation plan for the 2015 Park Sales Tax funded projects?
An implementation plan for the 2015 Park Sales Tax funded projects was approved by the City Council at the December 7, 2015 Council Meeting. (See all 2015 Park Sales Tax Council Items.) The projects are scheduled in the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program as part of the City’s annual budget process. Each year the Capital Improvement Program goes through the budget approval process and is subject to adjustments based on actual Park Sales Tax revenues, cash flow, and other factors. The most current implementation schedule can be accessed from the link below.
opens PDF file (Click on image above for enlargement)
2010 Park Sales Tax
What is the history of the 2010 Park Sales Tax ballot?
Before the 2010 Park Sales Tax ballot, the 1/8-cent renewable Park Sales Tax was set to expire March 31, 2011. A citizen survey was conducted in spring 2010 to gauge citizen support for the renewal of the Park Sales Tax and the types of projects that might be funded by the renewal. (See survey results)
An ordinance to place the renewal of the park sales tax for another five years on the November 2, 2010 ballot (identified as Proposition 1) was approved at the August 16, 2010 City Council Meeting. (See related Council items.) The ballot language was as follows:
PROPOSITION 1
SHALL THE MUNICIPALITY OF COLUMBIA, MISSOURI IMPOSE A SALES
TAX OF ONE-EIGHTH OF ONE PERCENT, FOR FIVE (5) YEARS, FOR
THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDING FOR LOCAL PARKS FOR THE
MUNICIPALITY?THE CURRENT ONE-FOURTH OF ONE PERCENT LOCAL PARKS SALES
TAX IS SCHEDULED TO BE REDUCED TO ONE-EIGHTH OF ONE
PERCENT ON MARCH 31, 2011. APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSITION
WOULD KEEP THE LOCAL PARKS SALES TAX RATE AT ONE-FOURTH
OF ONE PERCENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL FIVE (5) YEARS.
THE CITY INTENDS TO USE THIS SALES TAX TO FUND PROJECTS IN
THE CITY’S PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
INCLUDING RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING
PARKS, DEVELOPMENT OF NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY
PARKS, DEVELOPMENT OF TRAILS AND GREENBELTS, AND THE
ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR PARKS, TRAILS, GREENBELTS AND OPEN
SPACE PRESERVATION.
After collecting public input, the City Council passed a resolutionopens PDF file at the August 16, 2010 Council Meeting authorizing a specific list of projects to be accomplished with the 2010 Park Sales Tax funds, if Proposition 1 was approved by voters.
On Tuesday, November 2, 2010 Proposition 1 passed with 64.36% in favor (20,520 votes in favor to 11,361 against), winning in 66 out of 67 precincts and for the first time in all six wards.
| 2010 PARK SALES TAX ELECTION RESULTS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WARD | # VOTES | YES | NO | ||
| 1 | 2,442 | 1,705 | 69.82% | 737 | 30.18% |
| 2 | 5,847 | 3,487 | 59.64% | 2,360 | 40.36% |
| 3 | 4,800 | 2,845 | 59.27% | 1,955 | 40.73% |
| 4 | 7,427 | 5,044 | 67.91% | 2,383 | 32.09% |
| 5 | 7,613 | 4,798 | 63.02% | 2,815 | 36.98% |
| 6 | 3,271 | 2,307 | 70.53% | 964 | 29.47% |
| Absentees | 481 | 334 | 69.44% | 147 | 30.56% |
| TOTALS | 31,881 | 20,520 | 64.36% | 11,361 | 35.64% |
See also:
- Council Item: 2010 Ballot – 1/8-Cent Park Sales Tax Renewal
- Ordinance #20832 – Reimposing 1/8-cent Park Sales Tax
See Related News Articles:
- Tax extension supports facility upgrades
Columbia Daily Tribune – June 12, 2011 - Voters approve park sales tax
Columbia Missourian – November 5, 2010 - Complete election results table
Columbia Missourian – November 3, 2010 - Graphic: See how Boone County voted
Columbia Missourian – November 3, 2010 - Parks tax extends another five years
Columbia Daily Tribune – November 3, 2010 - Portion of park sales tax revenue to assist Maplewood restoration
Columbia Missourian – October 28, 2010 - Interactive Graphic: What an extended parks sales tax will buy
Columbia Missourian – October 25, 2010 - Sports fields would be top priority at southeast Columbia parks
Columbia Missourian – October 20, 2010 - Proposition 1 could produce more youth sports fields, economic growth
Columbia Missourian – October 20, 2010 - Proposition 1 park sales tax revenue would be used to purchase more land
Columbia Missourian – October 18, 2010 - Parks tax funds many projects
Columbia Daily Tribune – October 17, 2010 - Chamber favors tax but not Taser ban
Columbia Daily Tribune – October 15, 2010 - Grindstone Trail would be extended if parks sales tax is renewed
Columbia Missourian – October 14, 2010 - Park sales tax extension would allow for Cosmo Park improvements
Columbia Missourian – October 7, 2010 - Mayor Bob McDavid appoints park sales tax committee
Columbia Missourian – September 8, 2010
What projects are funded by the 2010 Park Sales Tax and what are their status?
Below is a summary list of the 2010 Parks Sales Tax projects. Click on the links below to find out more details about each project and its status. Links are set up as the projects become active in the funding fiscal year.
| PROJECT DESCRIPTION | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition/Land Preservation Category | $2,025,000 | |
| Acquire land for community parks, greenbelts, green space, wildlife corridors, and natural area preservation | $1,525,000 | Ongoing |
| Acquire land for new neighborhood parks (an amount up to) | $500,000 | Ongoing |
| Improvements to Existing Parks Category | $4,765,000 | |
| Annual Roads and Parking Improvements | $750,000 | 20 projects completed |
| Annual Joint City/School Playground Projects | $125,000 | 8 projects completed |
| Annual Park Improvement Major Maintenance | $600,000 | 18 projects completed |
| Albert-Oakland Park – New Restroom | $125,000 | Completed |
| Albert-Oakland Park – Athletic Field Renovations | $150,000 | Completed |
| Armory Renovation – Activity/Meeting Room Flooring | $75,000 | Completed |
| Atkins Park Phase II – Restrooms, Concession, Field | $850,000 | Completed |
| Cosmo-Bethel Park – Light Tennis Courts, Trail | $150,000 | Completed |
| Cosmo Park – Football/Lacrosse Field Improvements | $150,000 | Completed |
| Cosmo Park – New Restroom Soccer/Football Fields | $125,000 | Completed |
| Cosmo Park – Steinberg Playground Renovation | $500,000 | Completed |
| Douglass Park Improvements | $100,000 | Completed |
| Downtown Optimist Park Renovation | $50,000 | Completed |
| Fairview Park – Shelter Replacement, Playground, Parking | $175,000 | Completed |
| Nifong Park – Maplewood Barn, Parking | $200,000 | Completed |
| Shepard Boulevard Tennis Court Renovation | $75,000 | Completed |
| Trail Restroom Improvements – Garth | $100,000 | Completed |
| Trail Restroom Improvements – Grindstone | $115,000 | Completed |
| Trail Restroom Improvements – MLK | $100,000 | Completed |
| Twin Lakes Recreation Area Improvements | $250,000 | Completed |
| Trails and Greenbelts Category | $2,070,000 | |
| Grindstone Trail Development – GNA to Confluence | $1,570,000 | Completed |
| Annual Trail Improvements – Major Maint. | $500,000 | 2 Projects Completed |
| New Facility/Park Development Category | $2,540,000 | |
| Barberry Neighborhood Park | $125,000 | Completed |
| Jay Dix Neighborhood Park | $125,000 | Completed |
| Strawn Road Neighborhood Park | $125,000 | Completed |
| Gans Creek Rec Area/Philips Park – Phase I | $1,750,000 | Completed |
| Norma Sutherland Smith Park – Phase I | $250,000 | Completed |
| Waters-Moss Park – Phase I | $165,000 | Completed |
| Contingency (Used for ADA Compliance) | $600,000 | |
| TOTAL 5 YEAR PARK SALES TAX PROJECTS | $12,000,000 | |
What is the implementation schedule for the 2010 Park Sales Tax funded projects?
At the December 20, 2010 Council Meeting, the City Council adopted an implementation plan for the 2010 Park Sales Tax funded projects. (Click here to view the Council legislationopens PDF file .) The projects are scheduled over five years in the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program as part of the City’s annual budget process. The schedule below is tentative pending City Council approval each year of the annual Capital Improvement Program. The schedule is revised as adjustments are made during the annual budget process.
opens PDF file 2005 Park Sales Tax
What is the history of the 2005 Park Sales Tax ballot?
One-eighth cent of the 2000 Park Sales Tax was set to expire March 31, 2006. After the completion of the capital projects funded in the 1999 1/4-cent sales tax ballot, there was no other major funding source in place for Parks and Recreation capital improvement projects or to facilitate the implementation of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.
In May of 2005, the City of Columbia commissioned a citizen survey to ascertain, among many other things, how supportive the citizens would be of extending the 1/8-cent Park Sales Tax and which parks and recreation projects they thought were the most important to receive funding (see charts below). The results indicated 73% would be “very likely” (52%) or “somewhat likely” (21%) to vote in favor of continuing the 1/8th cent Park Sales Tax. Results of the survey also indicated support for a permanent Farmer’s Market facility and indoor ice skating rink. (See also 2005 survey resultsopens PDF file )
Click on image for enlargement
In July of 2005, the City of Columbia commissioned another citizen survey to gather input from registered voters about several tax issues that were being considered by the City – including the Park Sales Tax extension. The following information about the Park Sales Tax was contained in the executive summary reportopens PDF file of the 2005 Sales Tax Assessment Survey:
- 29% of the voters surveyed did not know the City currently has a dedicated sales tax for parks and recreation
- Support for renewing the Parks and Recreation Sales Tax for 5 years vs. 10 year
- For 10 Years: 79% of the voters surveyed indicated they would be “very likely” (57%) or “somewhat likely” (22%) to renew the City’s existing 1/8th cent sales tax for parks and recreation for 10 years assuming the proposal contained funding for one of the three projects the respondent liked most.
- For 5 Years: 86% of the voters surveyed indicated they would be “very likely” (59%) or “somewhat likely” (27%) to renew the City’s existing 1/8th cent sales tax for parks and recreation for 5 years assuming the proposal contained funding for one of the three projects the respondent liked most.
The City Council ultimately decided to put two propositions regarding the Park Sales Tax extension on the November 8, 2005 ballot along with four more propositions for other City issues related to streets, sidewalks, Fire and Police, and development fees for new construction. (See Notice of Special Electionopens PDF file for ballot language on all six City propositions.)
- Proposition 1
- Extends 1/8-cent parks tax for 5 years
- Projected revenue – $12 million
- Funds renovations, repairs, improvements to existing parks, acquisition and development of parks, additional trails and green belts in accordance with City’s master plan.
- Proposition 2
- Extends 1/8 cent parks tax 2 years consecutive to Proposition 1
- Projected revenue – $5 million
- Funds the construction of an ice skating facility and a multi-use recreation facility, including a farmer’s market
The November 8, 2005 election followed the August 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster causing the devastation of New Orleans and uncertain economic times. Proposition 1 passed with 53.15% in favor. Proposition 2 was defeated with 43.75% voting in favor. (See Ordinance #18788 passed by City Council on November 21, 2005.)
| Proposition 1 – Park Sales Tax 5 Yr Ext. November 8, 2005 | Proposition 2 – Park Sales Tax 2 Yr Ext. November 8, 2005 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WARD | # VOTES | YES | NO | WARD | # VOTES | YES | NO | |
| 1 | 1,074 | 53% | 47% | 1 | 1,075 | 48% | 52% | |
| 2 | 2,248 | 46% | 54% | 2 | 2,251 | 36% | 64% | |
| 3 | 1,719 | 47% | 53% | 3 | 1,716 | 38% | 62% | |
| 4 | 4,243 | 59% | 41% | 4 | 4,240 | 48% | 52% | |
| 5 | 3,282 | 52% | 48% | 5 | 3,278 | 42% | 58% | |
| 6 | 1,369 | 60% | 40% | 6 | 1,371 | 51% | 49% | |
| TOTAL | 13,935 | 53.15% | 46.85% | TOTAL | 13,931 | 43.75% | 56.25% | |
See related articles:
- Voters split on taxes for streets, park projects
Columbia Missourian, November 9, 2005
What projects were funded by the 2005 Park Sales Tax ballot and what has been accomplished?
Below is a list of the ballot projects approved by the City Council and designated to be funded by the 2005 Park Sales Tax ballot. Click on the project description link for detailed information about each respective capital improvement project.
| Project Name | Ballot Amount* | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Park Projects | ||
| $150,000 | Completed | |
| $200,000 | Completed | |
| $450,000 | Completed | |
| $100,000 | Completed | |
| $150,000 | Completed | |
| $75,000 | Completed | |
| $250,000 | Completed | |
| $1,025,000 | Completed | |
| $125,000 | Completed | |
| $175,000 | Completed | |
| $115,000 | Completed | |
| $150,000 | Completed | |
| $100,000 | Completed | |
| $255,000 | Completed | |
| $120,000 | Completed | |
| $100,000 | Completed | |
| $120,000 | Completed | |
| $100,000 | Completed | |
| $175,000 | Completed | |
| $55,000 | Completed | |
| $75,00 | Completed | |
| $110,000 | Completed | |
| $110,000 | Completed | |
| $30,000 | Completed | |
| $130,000 | Completed | |
| $300,000 | Completed | |
| $110,000 | Completed | |
| Annual Funding | ||
| Annual City/School Park Improvements | $125,000 | 8 projects completed |
| Annual Park Acquisition | $1,500,000 | |
| Annual Park Improvements | $460,000 | 20 projects completed |
| Annual Park Roads and Parking Improvements | $740,000 | 53 projects completed |
| Greenbelts/Trails | ||
| $670,000 | Ongoing acquisition of trail easements | |
| $100,000 | Completed | |
| $1,320,000 | Completed | |
| $780,000 | Completed | |
| $790,000 | ||
* Amount funded by 2005 ballot only; some projects had additional funding from other sources.
** Acreage acquired may also include donations and assistance from other funding sources. Park land acquisition is ongoing.
See Related Article:
- 2005 park sales tax funded several promised Columbia projects
Columbia Missourian – October 27, 2010
2000 Park Sales Tax
What is the history of the 2000 Park Sales Tax ballot?
In late 1998 Stephens College decided to put the 116-acre Stephens Lake property up for sale. The desire to save the lake property from falling in the hands of private developers prompted community activists to urge the City of Columbia to purchase the property. Conserving this large portion of green space in the center of town, along with the desire to preserve its historical log cabin, mature trees, and lake for public use, motivated the City Council to seriously explore the possibility of purchasing the site.
The college was not in a financial position to hold off the sales transaction for very long. The City of Columbia was presented with the challenge of finding an immediate funding source for the land acquisition. Help from The Trust for Public Land was secured to assist with the property appraisal and to poll citizens to determine if a sales tax ballot issue to purchase the property would be supported. The appraisal led to a negotiated $7 million sale price. The positive results from the poll reinforced the decision to put a dedicated park sales tax issue on the November 2000 ballot. The tax would provide 1/4-cent sales tax for five years primarily to purchase and develop the property, reducing to 1/8-cent without sunset for park operations and other park capital projects. (Click here for more information on the history of Stephens Lake Park.)
The Parks Sales Tax was listed on the November 7, 2000 ballot as “Proposition 1 – Local Park Sales Tax” and read as follows:
“Shall the municipality of Columbia, Missouri, impose a sales tax of one-fourth of one percent for five years and one-eight of one percent thereafter, for the purpose of providing funding for local park, trails and natural lands for water quality, wildlife, tree preservation, and recreation purposes? All expenditures will be subject to an annual public audit. Revenue from this tax would be used to purchase, improve and manage the Stephens Lake property and for other park purposes.”
Proposition 1 passed by a vote of 19,023 to 16,381 or a 53.7 percent majority.
| Proposition 1 – Local Park Sales Tax November 7, 2000 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| WARD | # VOTES | YES | NO |
| 1 | 3,052 | 62% | 38% |
| 2 | 5,613 | 45% | 55% |
| 3 | 5,009 | 52% | 48% |
| 4 | 9,500 | 53% | 47% |
| 5 | 7,944 | 52% | 48% |
| 6 | 4,286 | 67% | 33% |
| TOTAL | 35,404 | 53.7% | 46.3% |
For more information on the history of the 2000 Park Sales Tax ballot – see related newspaper articles.
What has been accomplished with the 2000 Park Sales Tax ballot?
From 2001-2006, the 1/4-cent 2000 Park Sales Tax was used primarily to fund the purchase of the $7 million Stephens Lake property and its $2.5 million development project. And as intended, it was also used and continues to be used to subsidize the Parks and Recreation operating budget, helping fund the increased expenses due to an expanding park system and population served.
From 2000-2005, the main funding source for the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program was from the 1999 1/4-cent sales tax ballot. However, the 2000 Park Sales Tax has funded a few capital projects that were not addressed or completely funded in the 1999 1/4-cent sales tax ballot or by the 2005 Park Sales Tax extension ballot – see summary list below.
| Summary of Projects Funded by the 2000 Park Sales Tax |
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(Detailed financial statements for the Park Sales Tax can be found the City’s finance reports.)
Spraygrounds and Swimming Beach
Funded by the Park Sales Tax