Gasconade County voters will decide the fate of a half-cent sales tax to benefit the sheriff’s patrol and local police agencies when they go to the polls Tuesday, April 5.

The proposed tax would benefit the municipalities with additional funding for competitive salaries, training, and recruiting officers, according to Sheriff Scott Eiler. It is estimated the half-cent sales tax will generate approximately $960,000 or more annually.

Municipalities with police forces would share divide up 25 percent of the sales taxes collected based on a per-capita basis of approximately $47 per resident. The sheriff’s office would retain 75 percent of the tax estimated to bring in close to $1 million annually.

“The Chiefs of Police will be responsible to spend their portion of the tax revenue for the best interest for their agency,” according to Eiler who, along with other elected sheriffs, will benefit from a raise granted by legislative authority in 2021. 

Pay for sheriff’s deputies across the state, however, is another matter. Eiler noted recently his deputies are paid $14 an hour to start —slightly above a McDonald’s restaurant shift worker. Deputy salaries are set by the county.

Hermann’s city administrator recently told county commissioners that officials in county seat municipality thought they should received a larger share of the money than other communities. Owensville’s mayor voiced concern earlier this month that local sales taxes were high enough and worried it would be hard to pass a local sales tax if one was ever needed to support the local fire service.

Eiler had this take.

“As the Mayor said,” Eiler noted, “he watches citizens have a hard time paying for grocery’s where he works. This tax is cents to the dollars. $100 worth of groceries will cost citizens an extra 50 cents. A $400 TV will add $2 to their purchase. A $10 purchase of a fast food meal will add 5 cents to their purchase. To me this tax is a great investment to support local law enforcement men and woman who serve and protect our communities. This County Wide Law Enforcement Tax will cost cents to the dollar for all citizens who shop in Gasconade County.”

The ballot question under the heading “Countywide Law Enforcement Sales Tax” reads “Shall the County of Gasconade impose a countywide sales tax of 1/2 of 1% (one half of one percent) for the purpose of providing countywide law enforcement service for the county?”

“I will continue to fight for my deputies to get the pay they deserve and will continue to serve and protect the citizens we all are sworn to protect,” said Eiler. “I want Gasconade to be a safe place for our families, children, and grandchildren to grow up in. Providing a safer tomorrow starts with our decisions today.” 

Polls open at 6 a.m. April 5 and close at 7 p.m.

“I am asking all citizens to put politics aside and do what’s best and support the men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis by voting yes on April 5th,” Eiler added.