Local Election Nov 7: Local Option Sales Tax

NOTICE OF FAIRFIELD CITY ELECTION
Tuesday, November 7th, 2017 ● 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
To the qualified electors of the City of Fairfield, Jefferson County, IA: Pursuant to Section 362.3, 2015 Code of Iowa, notice is hereby given that an election for LOSST Public Measure A, Mayor for a two-year term, one Council member each from 2nd Ward, 4th Ward and Council Member At Large.

For further details about the election, click here.

The following is from the memorandum from Fairfield Mayor Ed Malloy:

"On November 7th the city election will include the reauthorization of the Local Option Sales Tax as it is set to expire on July 1, 2019. The proposed division of use for the funds will appear on the ballot as follows:
a)         25% for property tax relief.
b)         The specific purposes for which the revenues shall otherwise be expended are
                         50% for streets & street construction projects, including planning, design, construction and debt service of said activities.                                  
                         25% for any other lawful purpose, including community betterment
 
The LOST funds have been in place for the past 18 years and have been a valuable and important source of funds that have improved our community in many ways. The funds have supported the cities general budget and also allowed us to invest in the community in ways that have made us stronger, more competitive and more attractive. We have also grown the revenues by over 40% during that time.
 
The continued use of those funds depends on a positive vote in the upcoming election. This election is unique in that there are no opposed races and a concern that a low voter turnout could put the LOST ballot question in jeopardy. Low voter elections have a history of negative results on progressive issues.
 
The funds from the Local Option Sales Tax will continue to support Fairfield in ways that everyone can benefit from. I hope you will support the ballot measure and share this message with those who believe in the importance of this revenue stream for the benefit of the community."

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