Jefferson City Prop 1 Sales Tax: What Yes or No Would Mean

Voters in the Callaway County part of the City of Jefferson will see one local question on their Nov. 3 ballot, Proposition 1, which would add a quarter-cent sales tax for public safety.

It is the only question on the Callaway County clerk’s published ballots that is not statewide. Most Callaway County voters will not see it, because it is shown only to voters who live inside the City of Jefferson. Our Callaway County ballot guide lists every other race and measure.

What does the ballot ask?

The question reads: “Shall the City of Jefferson impose a citywide sales tax of one-quarter (1/4) of one percent for the purpose of improving the public safety of the City?” The city ordinance that put it on the ballot says the tax would be in addition to all other sales taxes and would not replace the city’s general sales tax, according to the council packet for Bill 2026-024.

What would a yes vote do?

A yes vote approves the new quarter-cent tax. If a majority of those voting say yes, it takes effect April 1, 2027, under the ordinance. The city’s bill summary lists a fiscal figure of $3.625 million.

The city already has a quarter-cent public safety sales tax that voters approved in 2021 with nearly 70 percent support. A yes vote would double it to a half-cent, or 50 cents per $100 of taxable purchases, KBIA reported and ABC 17 reported. The tax applies to taxable purchases made in the city, whether or not the buyer lives there.

What would a no vote do?

A no vote leaves the tax at its current quarter-cent. City Administrator Brian Crane said the city would face a deficit of several million dollars within a few years, ABC 17 reported. Police and fire representatives told the station that the departments could struggle to keep current service levels and might have to reduce services. KBIA reported that the council would keep final say over how the money is divided if voters approve it.

What are people saying?

The presidents of the Jefferson City Police Officers Association and Firefighters Local 671 support the increase, according to ABC 17. ABC 17 did not describe an organized campaign against it. One resident the station interviewed said she wanted a clearer explanation of why doubling the tax was necessary.

Callaway County voters can confirm which ballot they will receive on the Secretary of State’s voter lookup. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. For a sales-tax question closer to our home county, see our Prop L explainer.