Voters in a number of jurisdictions decided tax issues in Tuesday’s election.

Most of the tax questions were approved, although voters in Mound City decided to discontinue one part of the city’s local sales tax.

Mound City voters agreed to discontinue applying and collecting the local sales tax for the titling of motor vehicles, trailers, boats and outboard motors bought from someone other than a licensed Missouri dealer. They also agreed to implement a local use tax for out of state purchases. The use tax will match the local sales tax, currently 1.5%, regardless of whether the sales tax is increased, decreased or discontinued in the future.

Andrew County voters passed two tax issues relating to road repairs. A property tax levy renewal was okayed by a white margin 88% to 12%. The renewal of the sales tax in Andrew County also passed, by a similar margin, 89% to 11%. The renewals come with a sunset clause and do not increase either tax.

Harrison County voters agreed to renew that county’s sales tax by a 43% to 17% margin.

Kansas City voters overwhelmingly renewed the city’s 1% earnings tax for another five years. The measure passed with 77 percent of voters citywide saying yes, according to unofficial final results. Voters in St Louis also strongly supported that city’s earnings tax, approving renewal by about 72% to 28%. In Kansas City, wage-earners must pay one percent of their earnings, regardless of where they live. The tax in Kansas City makes up about 40% of the city’s general fund and supports fire and police operations.
Officials hope the election sends a message to state lawmakers hoping to end the earnings taxes in KC and St. Louis.