Joplin council to weigh hotel tax vote for Memorial Hall renovation
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The Joplin City Council has a busy night ahead of them Monday.
Memorial Hall and the hotel tax
The council is scheduled to consider, on first reading, whether to put the lodging tax increase on the April 6 ballot. The measure would raise the city's rate from 4% to 6% on stays at hotels, motels and short-term rentals, adding $2 to the city lodging tax on a $100 stay.
The city estimates the Memorial Hall renovation would cost $16.74 million.
A separate resolution on Monday's agenda would declare the city's intent to seek about $7 million in tax-exempt financing if voters approve the increase and other funding comes through. The city expects about $9.74 million from donations, historic tax credits and other outside sources.
The ballot measure would dedicate revenue from the increase to capital projects that promote tourism. Memorial Hall would be the first project funded.
Houston flights
The Joplin Regional Airport Board is recommending that the city back a SkyWest Airlines proposal for flights to both Denver and Houston. The city asked federal officials in September to replace Chicago O'Hare with Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
SkyWest's new bid calls for 12 federally subsidized round trips a week on 50-seat jets for up to four years. The bid allows for service to either or both hubs. The airport board wants both destinations served and recommends requiring a formal review if SkyWest seeks to change that arrangement. The U.S. Department of Transportation makes the final decision.
Security cameras at nine parks
The council will consider a $290,900 contract to install security cameras at nine parks using revenue from the voter-approved parks and stormwater sales tax.
Ewert Park would get the most cameras, with 16, followed by MOmentum Bike Park with 11. The contract also covers Cunningham, Landreth, Leonard, Humphrey, Garvin, Parr Hill and Mercy parks.
The city has identified Spiva Park and Grand Falls as possible locations for a later round of funding.
Vacant council seat
Council members will discuss how to fill the at-large seat vacated by Cowles, who resigned October 28. The council will appoint someone to serve until the next regular city election in April 2028, when voters will choose someone to finish the term.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Monday.
