The Primary Election is today, March 19, 2024, and Kewanee residents have a big decision to make when they vote. The citizens of Kewanee get to vote, yes or no, for a sunset sales tax that will allow Kewanee to get roads in Kewanee city limits replaced. The tax referendum is on sales tax only and does not affect real estate taxes. The 1/2 percent sales tax expires in 10 years and voters will have the opportunity to vote to extend the tax, should the City of Kewanee decide the tax is necessary to complete the road plan. If this referendum does not pass, our roads will continue to deteriorate and the current road program would continue.
The following is from the City of kewanee:
On March 19th, voters will have the opportunity to make a crucial decision that will shape the future of transportation in our community – the transportation sales tax referendum. The proposed sales tax, amounting to ½ of one percent, would provide a vital revenue stream to revamp the roads, sidewalks, and storm drainage systems needed to keep water off the streets. Funding for better maintenance of infrastructure will ensure safer and more functional roadways. It will also be allocated towards essential components like signage, striping, and lighting which play a pivotal role in road safety.
One of the key aspects of the proposed tax increase is its dedicated usage for transportation-related purposes only. This specificity ensures that the new revenue will solely fund projects and initiatives aimed at improving the city’s transportation network. The funds can’t and won’t be diverted to other sectors such as police, fire, water, or community development. The ballot language for the tax is narrowly tailored, specifically to restrict spending to transportation needs, ensuring transparency and accountability in how the proceeds are spent.
An important point to note is the potential impact of the sales tax increase on residents. For the median household in Kewanee, the estimated increase of $8.40 per month, or fifty cents on a $100 purchase is a small price to pay for the comfort of driving on better roads. Moreover, because nearly 20% of Kewanee’s sales tax revenues are generated by people who live outside of Kewanee, the burden is shared by nearly everyone who shops here, not just those who choose to call Kewanee home.
Tracking the allocation of funds from the transportation sales tax will be a transparent process. Similar to the handling of motor fuel tax revenues, funds from the sales tax would be deposited into a separate account dedicated solely to transportation-related expenses. This segregation ensures that the revenue is earmarked exclusively for transportation projects. Because the city council approves the city’s expenditures, which are included in online council packets, anybody can see what was bought, how much it cost, who was paid, and where the money came from. Perhaps even more importantly, the proposed sales tax has a sunset provision that limits it to ten (10) years. As if specific language, a separate fund, public approvals, publicly available documentation, and a self-imposed limitation on the length of the tax weren’t enough, each fund of the city is audited on an annual basis.
In short, the transportation sales tax measure on the ballot presents an opportunity for Kewanee to significantly improve its transportation infrastructure through a targeted and accountable allocation of funds. If the sales tax is approved, residents can contribute to the creation of a safer, more efficient, and well-maintained transportation network that serves the needs of the community and ensures a sustainable future for the city’s infrastructure.
