5-Year Dedicated Parks Sales Tax History

Before the 2017 Park Sales Tax ballot, the 1/2-cent renewable Park Sales Tax was not in existence. Without a dedicated funding source, many of the park facility began to show signs of significant wear and in need of replacement. Some of the facilities had become a safety concern and had to be close to use. A citizen survey was conducted in 2016 as part of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan to gauge citizen support for a Park tax, renewal time frame, and types of projects that might be funded by a proposed tax.

An ordinance (#4466) was approved at the January 17, 2017 City Council Meeting to place a dedicated Park Sales Tax for five-years on the April 4, 2017 ballot (identified as Question 1). The ballot language was as follows:

QUESTION 1
Shall the City of Blue Springs, Missouri, impose a sales tax of one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) for five (5) years, for the purpose of providing funds for local parks for the City?

In 2013 Blue Springs Parks and Recreation staff did a comprehensive evaluation of each Park facility (not including Vesper Hall, Adams Pointe Golf Club or the Centennial Pool-plex). This document was presented to City Council outlining major deficiencies within the park system.

After reviewing public input, surveys, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan and other city documents, the City Council passed an ordinance at the January 17, 2017 Council Meeting authorizing a specific list of projects to be accomplished with the 2017 Park Sales Tax funds, if Question 1 was approved by voters.

For the first time in its history, the Park Sales Tax was on a single ballot election. On Tuesday, April 4, 2017 Question 1 passed with 69.54% in favor (3,173 votes in favor and 1,390 against), winning in all three districts.*

*The election results include SN 23 being counted in District #1 instead of District #2 and SN 25 being counted in District #2 instead of District #3 due to the same polling locations and was done only on the Parks Question.