Sales Tax Proposals FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How will sales tax funds be spent?

Streets, Infrastructure & Fire trucks

In Lawrence, 65.8% of streets need more maintenance than is currently funded. 30.1% of city streets need preventative maintenance – crack sealing, mill and overlay and microsurfacing while 35.7% of Lawrence streets need to be rebuilt.

The 2007 Citizen Survey ranked street maintenance as the city service that should receive the most emphasis.

The 0.3 percent sales tax proposal will provide dedicated resources towards this high priority, including the rebuilding of several major streets throughout the community.

Additional funds are dedicated to maintain neighborhood streets. The sales tax proposal also includes dedicated funding for two major community infrastructure projects; 1) the replacement of a 1930's era North Lawrence Pump Station at Fifth and Maple providing additional storm water protection and 2) completion of the Burroughs Creek rail to trail project in eastern Lawrence matching a state grant. Additional funds will be used to construct sidewalks throughout Lawrence providing pedestrians improved walkways.

Planned major street projects include 19th Street, Iowa to Naismith; Bob Billings Parkway east of Kasold; and portions of Kasold and Wakarusa needing reconstruction.

Passage of the sales tax proposal will allow the Fire Medical Department to follow an annual ongoing replacement plan for fire trucks.

Transit

In 2007, the transit system provided 388,325 one-way trips, and paratransit provided 57,497 one-way trips providing transportation for many Lawrence residents to employment, school and medical services.

The 0.2 percent sales tax will provide dedicated resources to operate the existing fixed route and paratransit service (for individuals with disabilities). This will allow for possible merger with KU’s transit system.

The additional .05 sales tax, only effective if the 0.2 percent sales tax for transit also passes, will provide for transit system enhancements such as higher frequency on core routes, diesel and/or hybrid electric vehicles and additional transit system capital improvements.

What ensures funds are spent on the approved purposes?

A City Commission appointed Sales Tax Oversight Committee will monitor and audit expenditures to confirm sales tax dollars are spent in accordance with the voter approved sales tax initiatives.

How long will the sales tax be in place?

All approved sales taxes will be effective April 1, 2009 and sunset in 10 years.

What are the consequences if the proposals don’t pass?

Streets, Infrastructure and Fire Trucks

Without additional resources, the city will make choices on spending cuts, service reductions and/or property tax increases. Street maintenance on the most critical streets will occur but the current funding level doesn’t allow Lawrence to catch up on the deferred maintenance. 35.7% of city streets currently fall within the unacceptable range indicating a need to be reconstructed. Without funding for a fire truck replacement plan, the city's ability to provide reliable fire trucks will be impacted.

Transit

Without the 0.2 percent sales tax revenue, the city will not have budgeted funds to operate the transit system in 2009. If the sales tax votes fail, Lawrence will permanently lose more than $1.9 million of dedicated Federal funds for bus replacement, in addition to the $1.8 million in state and federal funds for annual operating expenses. Additionally, the failure of the sales tax will not allow the city to merge the transit system with KU's transit system. Without the 0.05 percent sales tax resources, the city will not have the resources to enhance or improve the transit system.

What will be the sales tax rate?

The current sales tax rate is made up of 5.3% State sales tax, 1% County sales tax and 1% City sales tax. If the three sales tax proposals are adopted, Lawrence will have a 7.85% sales tax rate.

The 0.05 percent sales tax is only effective if the 0.2 percent sales tax for transit also becomes effective. Voters can not approve only a 0.05 percent sales tax for transit purposes.

When does voting begin?

Advanced voting: October 15

Last day to register: October 20

General Election: November 4

Register to vote: www.douglas-county.org