RCC moves forward on sales tax
ROSSTON – Rosston’s city council was kept in the dark during its May meeting Monday night.
This wasn’t because of anything shady going on, but due to the fact the fluorescent lights in the fire station weren’t working properly. In fact, only one of the lights came on during the meeting, which was held in the dark otherwise.
The council voted to move forward with a city sales tax, and will seek a one-cent tax on goods sold inside the Rosston city limits. Rosston Mayor Dale Quarles said he’s talked with the city attorney and Nevada County Clerk about the process, which isn’t complicated. Glenn Vasser, the city’s attorney, will draw up the ordinance for the council, which should be ready at its June meeting, and Julie Oliver, county clerk, will set the election date – most likely sometime toward the end of August or in September.
Quarles said those he’s talked to about the tax are in favor of it and urged the council to discuss the issue with patrons as well. “We need to sell it,” he said. Should the tax be passed, it will be available for various things, but the primary initial use will be to build a community park where the former baseball park is, offering more than just baseball and softball. The tax money, he told the council, can be used for other things, such as street repair and other improvements.
He pointed out the election process isn’t a long, drawn out affair, and he’ll get with Vasser and Oliver to set a date for the special election.
In other business, the council approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into a contract and purchase a John Deere riding mower for the city. The contract will be for 36 months with the payments to be around $325 a month.
Quarles told the panel the water project is going well as the tank has been sandblasted, but the weather is holding up it getting painted. He added the new water meters are in and being stored at City Hall. Once the computer software for the meters is updated in the city’s computers, the meters will be installed.