Hannibal voters head to the polls on Tuesday to vote on sales tax increase

HANNIBAL – Polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday in Hannibal where the only issue on the ballot is a one half cent sales tax hike.

If approved, revenue from Proposition 1 will be used for infrastructure and remedial improvements. In proposing the tax hike in March, Hannibal City Councilman Alan Bowen (4th Ward) noted a long list of necessary infrastructure improvements that continues to grow without adequate funding. The Council then approved placing the measure on the August ballot.

City officials say the tax increase will cost the average Hannibal resident about $55.00 a year. The tax will not be applied to groceries, medicine or gasoline. Visitors to Hannibal will also pay the added sales tax too help the community with its infrastructure improvements.

Supporters of the tax hike say even if it is approved, Hannibal’s sales tax rate will still be lower than that of most communities of a similar size and the rate will be lower than most communities in the area. Opponents expressed to Muddy River News that low taxes are what bring people to Hannibal, especially from Illinois.

Since the issue is the only item on the ballot, voter turnout is expected to be very low. A simple majority is all that is needed to pass.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7p.m.