REMEMBER TO VOTE NOVEMBER 8^TH ON THE LOCAL SALES TAX REFERENDUM 

Why a Sales Tax?

A sales tax gives residents the best value for their investment.  Sales tax is a one-time tax on certain purchases in Waite Park, collected from both residents and non-residents.  Unlike a property tax-based plan, the one-half percent sales tax ensures that everyone who enjoys the City’s amenities and services, shares in the cost to upgrade them.  The residents of Waite Park and regional users historically have received and continue to receive benefits from a one-half percent sales and use tax to support many improvements, including The Ledge, Babe Ruth baseball fields, the splash pad and pickle ball courts, extensions to the Wobegon Trail and regional road improvements.  This tax will expire at the end of 2038.  A new one-half percent sales tax is being proposed to facilitate the construction of a Public Safety Facility and to add two major Regional Trail Connections.

There will be two questions on the ballot.  To vote in favor of a question, a voter will fill in the oval next to the word “YES” on that question.  To vote against a question, a voter will fill in the oval next to the word “NO”.

1.  Shall the City of Waite Park impose a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.50%) for no more than 19 years or until $20,000,000 plus and amount to equal interest and the costs of the issuance of any bonds, is collected, to finance the construction and equipping of a new public safety facility in the City?  The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one-half of one percent (0.50%).
2. Shall the City of Waite Park impose a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.50%) for no more than 19 years or until $7,500,000, plus an amount equal to interest and the cost of the issuance of any bonds, is collected, to finance regional trail connection in the City?  The total sales and use tax approved by voters at this election to finance this project and any other project will not exceed one-half of one percent (0.50%).

 These examples show what a one-half percent sales tax would equate to for purchases commonly made. 

 Food and Clothing are not taxed, nor are other essentials such as housing and most medical needs.