As the April 7 General Election approaches, Henry County voters will decide on Proposition 1 — a proposed ¼-cent law enforcement sales tax.
On January 22, the Henry County Commission adopted an ordinance placing the measure on the ballot. The proposal would replace an existing ¼-cent law enforcement sales tax that is set to expire.
According to county officials, the current ¼-cent tax generated approximately $939,000 last year. Of that total, about $500,000 was used to make bond payments for construction of the current Sheriff’s Office, while roughly $400,000 went toward upkeep and maintenance of the facility.
If approved by voters, the new ¼-cent sales tax would replace the expiring tax without increasing the overall tax rate. However, instead of being primarily dedicated to the building, revenue would be redirected to broader law enforcement needs.
County leaders say funds from the replacement tax could be used for personnel costs, pay incentives, staffing support, training and professional development, equipment and technology upgrades, as well as facilities, capital improvements, and other operational needs.
Under Missouri law — specifically RSMo 67.582 — all revenue collected from a county law enforcement sales tax must be placed in a dedicated special trust fund. The funds may only be used for law enforcement purposes, including providing services for the county, personnel and operational costs, equipment and public safety resources, capital improvement projects for facilities, and payment of bond principal and interest for law enforcement buildings.
By law, the funds cannot be used for any other purpose.
Voters will make the final decision on Proposition 1 during the April 7 General Election.
