sales tax history
Background
Washington County Industrial Development Authority (WCIDA), has historically been funded by a ½ percent sales tax and has successfully used approximately $19 million in tax revenue to support infrastructure projects, develop the Missouri Certified Site Washington County Industrial Park, provide business incentives, and support major county infrastructure projects since 1993.
Since 2022, when the tax failed at the ballot for the first time in 29 years, WCIDA has been without tax revenue.
Without the tax revenue, WCIDA — the only organization solely focused on county-wide economic growth — is limited. They cannot readily support infrastructure projects by committing grant match money, make meaningful incentive offerings, or plan significant future growth projects.
Ultimately, the result of this Proposition NOT passing is a declining economy.
The good news? Voting YES and bringing back the historical sales tax for economic development will provide beneficial and necessary funding for incentives and projects for our future.
WCIDA is committed to maximizing its long-term financial capacity while responding to inquiries and demands of both new and existing development without placing a disproportionate tax burden on county residents. If used carefully, incentives can help maintain and build employment opportunities and expand the property tax base which the County of Washington, City of Potosi, and other taxing districts need to remain sustainable and progressing.
