The March 2009 local option tax approved by the voters of Cedar Rapids has come with a price. The ballot language was very broad and it has ruffled feathers, since 2010, when Mayor Ron Corbett and the current City Council began utilizing the tax. Sadly, it is in place through 2014 and can't be replaced immediately by the improved language in the May 3Rd ballot language.
On May 3Rd, the voters of Cedar Rapids will have the opportunity to approve a 20 year tax for the following:
- Property Tax Relief (10%),
- Flood Protection Systems for the East and West sides of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids (50%) and
- Existing Road Improvements (40%).
We support the L.O.S.T.T. for the City of Cedar Rapids, along with the other infrastructure tax votes in Marion, Hiawatha and Robins. Fairfax is the fifth community voting as a metro block on May 3Rd with the City of Cedar Rapids. We believe a sales tax, as opposed to higher property taxes, is a more prudent approach to resolving the deferred road issues impacting the Cedar Rapids community. Further, in 1967, a flood report recommended flood protection needs for the City of Cedar Rapids. If flood protection is going to become a reality in Cedar Rapids, sales tax is a fair approach to paying for our flood protection needs in our community.
Most communities the size of Cedar Rapids have a sales tax. One percent is very fair tax rate. Take a look at local taxes throughout the Midwest. Currently, five percent of the sales tax collected moves to the State of Iowa in Linn County. An additional one percent of the sales tax collected moves to the State of Iowa for school districts. The final one percent can be used for local municipal purposes. The State of Iowa doesn't allow a higher rate for local communities.
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