Cape Girardeau City Council approves tax increase; Ward II votes no

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- The Cape Girardeau City Council approved for the property tax levy increase to be voted on April 2.

“There has been determined to be a real need in the city for those, that compensation, for that increase for our public safety officials,” said Cape Girardeau Mayor Stacy Kinder who spoke on the increase and why the city made this decision. “The personnel costs for them is just higher, and we have discovered, through a number of different things over the past few years that our general fund is just not able to put in the increases that we think we need to see for compensation.”

In a news release sent by the city, Cape Girardeau needs more competitive pay for its police officers and firefighters.

To fund it, Police Chief Wes Blair says asking voters for the real estate and personal property tax rates to increase will bring in a competitive edge, closer to what other cities are already collecting.

“We’re behind a lot of other agencies in our area, so to attract officers in our area, departments have started getting competitive, raising salaries, just like the private industry does, to get people in their doors,” he said.

Under a proposed plan, police officers and firefighters would get an eight percent pay increase in year one.

Fire Chief Randy Morris says it’s been back and forth to get the boost in pay.

“I understand this is a big ask for our community,” said Morris. “I don’t think are just really excited about taxes but I can make assurances that our city leadership has ear marked this for doing police and fire salaries only, what we’re putting out to the voters is what it’s going to be used for.”

All funding from the 25-cent levy will be used for police officer and firefighter salary and benefits. For example, if approved the owner of a $200,000 home would pay $100 to $120 more a year.

Property taxes can be a reliable funding source and are more resilient against economic swings.

Tameka Randle of Ward II voted no, for the property tax increase.

Randle says, “Every citizen that owns property will be affected by this measure.” She continues to add, “It’s my position to serve in the best interest of our citizens and this matter is not the best interest of our citizens to pose a tax increase on property taxes.”

Fox23’s Sasha Moore will have more information tonight at 9 p.m.