In Columbia, voters will decide on Proposition 1 in Tuesday's primary election. Prop 1 would increase taxes from 4 percent to 5 percent at hotels and motels. The money would be used to make improvements at the Columbia Regional Airport, including building a new terminal.
City leaders have been trying to find money to pay for major changes for years. The proposition language says the rate would go back to 4 percent in 23 years at the latest. The Columbia Missourian reports Mayor Brian Treece has said the tax increase would be retired once it raises $10 million, which is projected to take 3 to 5 years. Once it raises $10 million, the city would apply for grants from the Federal Aviation Administration to finance the project, which would cost $38 million total.
The Columbia Hospitality Association has questioned wither the plans are specific enough to assure the money would be spent as originally intended.