The Manhattan City commission approved of a new sales tax resolution which will be placed on ballots in November for voter approval.
Manhattan City staff presented information on the proposal and projected data on the effects. The presentation stated that for every dollar spent in economic development the city would see a return of $10.35, and starting in 2014 mill levies would begin to decrease.
The resolution met some opposition from Commissioner Jim Sherow. Sherow felt the proposal was too vague in defining what actually constitutes economic development, and possessed a property tax relief portion that would not bring relief to the 60 percent of the community which rents property.
However, Commissioner Wynn Butler agrees the resolution isn’t perfect, but he believes it is the right course to take given that it provides “something for everybody” and will benefit the community.
Commissioner John Matta agreed, and pointed out that everyone had to work together to make the best solution possible.
Mayor Loren Pepperd said the Chamber of Commerce unanimously backed the proposal, and Commissioner Richard Jankovich backed the resolution saying it was a bad idea to lose momentum on the issue and wanted to move forward with the resolution as it stood.
The sales tax resolution passed with 4 to 1 with Sherow voting against the proposal.
The Commission also amended the Manhattan Zoning Regulations, modifying provisions for driveways located in front of single-family and two-family dwellings 5-0. All consent items passed 5-0, with the exception of the City Budget which passed 3-2, with Commissioners Matta and Butler voting against.
