Eldon voters will be asked to approve a new half-cent sales tax for fire protection within the city when they go to the polls Tuesday, April 2.
Based on current numbers, the half-cent sales tax would generate approximately $500,000 per year.
If approved by voters, the tax would essentially double the fire department’s annual resources (2024 fire department budget is $494,203.34).
Presently, the fire department’s budget comes out of the city’s general fund, which is funded by the city’s one-cent general sales tax.
In 2023, the one-cent tax generated $1.18 million.
This tax also funds the police department, communications (dispatch) and administration.
Anyone making purchases in the city of Eldon would pay the extra half-cent on every dollar spent.
For instance, a person buying $50 in groceries would pay an extra 25 cents at the register.
Eldon residents would also pay more when they purchase a vehicle (vehicle sales tax is assessed on where the vehicle is garaged).
For instance, a person buying a $25,000 vehicle would pay an additional $125 in sales tax.
