[Press release regarding Overland Park Sales Tax for streets]

Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 29, 2008

VOTERS APPROVE 1/8 CENT SALES TAX EXTENSION

Voters have overwhelmingly approved a 1/8 cent sales tax renewal for neighborhood residential streets and thoroughfares.

The unofficial vote total, according to the Johnson County Election Office, was 28,565 yes (75 percent); 9,552 no.

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners will canvass the votes and make them official on Monday.

“Voters today overwhelmingly said they want Overland Park to continue its efforts to be an outstanding and award-winning community,” Mayor Carl Gerlach said. “On behalf of the Governing Body, I want to thank the voters for supporting this proposal.”

“The estimated $34.5 million is going to be spent on streets and thoroughfares to address the top priority of residents,” Gerlach added.

Citywide surveys have shown that the top priority for respondents is traffic management and congestion.

Overland Park conducted a mail-in election with ballots due by noon today. Voters were asked to cast a ballot to renew a 1/8 cent sales tax to fund construction of residential neighborhood streets and thoroughfares.

Revenue collection begins April 1, 2009 and ends March 31, 2014.

The current five-year 1/8 cent sales tax, which was approved by more than 70 percent of voters in 2003, sunsets March 31, 2009.

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Contact: Carl Gerlach, mayor, 913/895-6104.