Christian County Justice Center Sales Tax Measures, 2 (April 2012)

Two Christian County Justice Center Sales Tax Measures were on the April 3, 2012 ballot in Christian County.

The first measure sought to renew the current Justice Center sales tax which is set at a rate of $.25 and would continue to go towards operational costs of the center.

• YES 3,516 (62.4%)a
• NO 2,119 (37.6%)

The second measure would have added to the current sales tax by a rate of $.25 and would go towards expending the center.

• YES 2,105 (37.56%)
• NO 3,499 (62.44%)d

County commissioners note the increase in crime and expanding needs of the Center and note that over crowding may soon be an issue. Opponents though note that federal inmates could be put in other jails reducing the number of occupants and that the jail is barely 10 years old so it should still be functioning in top condition.

Text of measure

The question on the ballot:

Question 1: Shall the County of Christian, Missouri, continue to impose the existing county-wide law enforcement sales tax of one-fourth of one percent by extending such tax beyond the term authorized on April 4, 2000, for the purpose of providing law enforcement services for the County? Question 2: Shall the County of Christian, Missouri, impose an additional county-wide sales tax of one-fourth of one percent for the purpose of providing funding for law enforcement related capital projects including acquiring land and constructing additions and improvements to the County Justice Facility and furnishing and equipping the same?

Additional reading

• News-Leader, "Christian County sales tax measure won't affect deputy salaries," March 16, 2012