One-percent sales tax headed to your ballot

The city of West Plains is submitting a proposition to the voters for a one percent sales tax. Voters will decide on August 4. 

 

Bill 4821 to become Ordinance 4821 was approved after the second reading, by the West Plains City Council on Monday, May 18 during a regular meeting. The bill, which states, "An ordinance of the City of West Plains, Missouri, calling an election to be held on August 4, 2026, in order to submit a proposition to the qualified voters regarding the authorization for a one percent sales tax which would be in addition to the city’s existing one percent sales tax."

 

City Administrator Sam Anselm explained to council that the tax would primarily be used to fund the construction of the sports complex. The complex is estimated to cost around $14 to $15 million. "The one cent sales tax generates about $4 million a year so we anticipate, if the tax passes, one of the first projects would be the construction of the sports complex ... and then using those funds to obviously operate the facility."

 

Council members discussed future plans for the sales tax, saying it is not only for the sports complex. At some point in time the additional revenue would be split up among different functions of the city, becoming part of the ongoing annual budget.

 

In other council actions:

- Approved minutes of the April 20, 2026 regular meeting

- Approved Fireworks Permits for Give Local First on July 3, 2026 at 2205 Porter Wagoner Blvd., and Freedom Patch Fireworks/Sons of the American Revolution on July 8, 2026 at 602 Olden Street

- Approved Park Board appointments including Kevin Smith, Michelle Miller, Bruce Vincent, and Jeremiah Jones all renewing a 3-year term set to expire June 2029

- Approved Surplus Vehicles and Equipment including bleachers, 27 CPU’s, 1997 Samsung excavator, Case 580 super backhoe, Case 580 turbo backhoe, 2009 Goshen Coach bus, 2001 Ford Taurus, and a transportation tilt trailer

- Approved Resolution 2026-06-a resolution of the City Council of the City of West Plains, Mo., affirming its commitment to public safety and establishing a comprehensive initiative to reduce violent crime within the city and authorizing the pursuit of the Missouri Blue Shield Designation. This is a no match grant of up to $50,000.

- Approved Resolution 2026-07-a resolution of the City Council of the City of West Plains, Mo., stating intent to seek funding through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program, administered by FEMA, and to designate and appoint the mayor or city administrator to give them the authority to perform certain duties and administration of said award on behalf of the city. This resolution will also commit to a minimum of 25% of the total project cost. This is to get a more modernized and reliable generator unit to replace the 1968 model that is outdated and has failed.

- Approved second reading of Bill 4819 to become Ordinance 4819-an ordinance of the City of West Plains, Mo., authorizing the mayor or city administrator to apply for federal financial assistance on behalf of the City of West Plains and to execute any contract(s) resulting from such application for any grants between the City of West Plains and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission providing for capital, operating, and/or marketing assistance, comprised of federal funds to be expended for commission-approved transit projects.

- Approved second reading of Bill 4820 to become Ordinance 4820-an ordinance of the City of West Plains, Mo., amending Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 10, Sections 2-400 through 2-404 of the City of West Plains Municipal Code relating to Airport Advisory Board. This changed the board from four positions to six positions.

- Approved first reading of Bill 4822-an ordinance of the City of West Plains, Mo., repealing Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 7, Sections 2-349 through 2-353 of the City of West Plains Municipal Code pertaining to Galloway Creek Advisory Board; dissolving said board, and addressing the disposition of its duties, records, and related matters.

- Approved first reading of Bill 4823-an ordinance repealing Sections 2-499 through 2-501 of the Municipal Code for the reason that the city must adopt a resolution including these provisions or similar provisions on a biennial basis as required by Section 105.485.4 RSMo and other reasons as discussed herein. 

- Approved Park Board appointment of Matt Legler renewing a 3-year term set to expire June 2029 with Mayor Mike Topliff recusing himself from the vote.

- Approved Conditional Use Permit at 212 Worcester for a midwifery and childbearing facility

- Denied Conditional Use Permit at 419 Farrell Street for a Christian-based rehabilitation center which would house individuals. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended not to approve the request, citing lack of information and impact to neighborhood.

 

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Topliff proclaimed Fridays from Memorial Day 2026 through Labor Day 2026 as Aloha Fridays in West Plains encouraging all residents, businesses, and visitors to participate in the spirit of community fun and celebration.