WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE Sales Tax Renewal Projects
November 7th is election day for Rochester, where residents will be able to vote on the renewal of the local sales tax. The local sales tax, first approved in 1982, would generate $205 million to fund four community infrastructure and development projects including street reconstruction, an economic vitality fund, flood control and water quality, and a regional sports and recreation complex. The local sales tax renewal is a funding tool for critical projects that can improve the quality of life for citizens, support infrastructure development that serves the business community, and can help drive economic growth in the region.
Rochester has utilized the half-percent local sales tax to collect revenue for various public investment projects. University of Minnesota research estimates that 43% of the local sales tax revenue is paid by non-residents. Numerous areas of Rochester have had projects financed through the various local sales tax extensions. Perhaps the most well known project is the initial construction of the existing flood control structures which include reservoirs and floodwalls that protect the infrastructure of both businesses and homes.
4 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — SEPTEMBER 2023
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