LOCAL SALES TAX RENEWAL
Feature
Flood Control & Water Quality While certain areas are more prone to floods in Rochester, major floods impact both personal and commercial traffic, including services of mail delivery, utilities, emergency services, and more in the community. The economic impact of a major flood event is significant and directly effects the community and region.
“It is key to note that this is a renewal of the local sales tax. Furthermore, an estimated 43% of the revenue generated from the sales tax would be paid by non-
If the sales tax is not renewed what will happen with the flood control and water quality project? Critical investments would still need to be made to protect the long-term integrity of the City’s flood control system. Without the local sales tax, those who own property in Rochester will likely bear the entire cost of such investments. For example, the water management portions of the flood control system would likely be funded through an increase in stormwater utility rates and fees. An additional tax levy would be the most likely funding mechanism for any improvements made to trails, lighting, art features, benches, recreational areas, etc. If flood control infrastructure is not maintained will flood insurance premiums be impacted? Without the proposed investments in flood control, more property would be at risk during high water events. Further, there is a greater risk that insurance premiums would be impacted and that more homes would need
flood insurance if the system is not expanded and enhanced to align with updated precipitation records. My home is not in the flood zone…Why should I pay? Even if your home isn’t impacted during a major flood, you will likely still be affected as major arterial roads would be closed which would disrupt traffic, including mail delivery, utilities, emergency services, and more. The economic impact of a major flood event is significant and directly affects the community and region. In addition, bike trails, lighting, park amenities, and recreational opportunities in and around the reservoirs and river systems make up a large part of the flood control system. Many residents rely on these areas for transportation and recreational opportunities. A lack of funding could result in less access to recreational areas, lower quality paved trails, and diminished amenities. Over $1.5 billion in property value is directly protected and many more receive indirect benefits.
Rochester residents.
- John Eckerman, Board Chair of Rochester Area
Chamber of Commerce
SEPTEMBER 2023 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 7
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