The West Plains City Council took the first step Tuesday night toward placing a 1% sales tax increase before voters to fund a new city-owned sports complex.
If approved following a second reading next month, the issue would be placed on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot.
The proposal follows a March presentation from Hunden Partners detailing three options to replace the Jimmie Carroll Sports Complex on Olden Street. Public surveys previously identified a need for a larger facility with increased court space and amenities.
PROJECT OPTIONS
Options presented to the council ranged in size and cost.
Option 1 entails a 41,200-square-foot facility featuring four basketball, eight volleyball and 12 pickleball courts at a projected cost of $14.16 million.
Option 2 involves a roughly 55,000-square-foot facility, adding a fitness room and an elevated walking track for $18 million.
Option 3 presented a 71,500-square-foot expansion totaling roughly $24 million.
City Community Services Director Todd Shanks told the Quill that a $14 million to $15 million project would likely be the preferred choice, providing four basketball courts and an indoor walking track.
TAX STRUCTURE AND OVERSIGHT
Before a vote was taken, City Administrator Sam Anselm explained that while the sports complex is the primary driver of the request for the additional tax, the city opted for a general sales tax increase rather than a specific fund allocation. The current municipal sales tax is 1%.
Anselm noted that the tax is expected to generate approximately $4 million in annual revenue. Any funds collected beyond the repayment of bonds used for the complex would be used to strengthen the city’s general finances and services.
Councilman Johnny Murrell raised concerns regarding the language of the ordinance, noting it does not explicitly specify the sports complex. Anselm confirmed the language is governed by state statute and reviewed by City Attorney Stephanie Karr.
In response to Murrell’s concerns about how to ensure the funds are used as intended, Anselm stated that the commitment to debt repayment for the specific project provides that assurance. While Anselm conceded a future council could theoretically change course on discretionary spending, Mayor Mike Topliff reminded the council their role is to carry out the will of the voters.
Newly sworn-in Councilman Crockett Oaks III then asked if the funds would be apportioned based on need, which Anself confirmed. The first reading of the ordinance passed unanimously.
