City Council Minutes 1989 02 07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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discussed with several groups including the Senior Board, the Louisville Downtown Revitalization Board, the Library Board, the Chamber Board and others. As a result, this Ordinance was drafted for approval and submission to the qualified voters of Louisville. Stahl outlined the scope and estimated cost of each project stating that later on the Agenda tonight is a Resolution for Council to consider outlining these projects and vote on either relocating or expanding the Library. Stahl explained that Ordinance #981, Series 1989, provides for an increase of Louisville's Retail Sales Tax from 2% to 3%. In addition, the Ordinance creates a 3% use tax to be charged on automobiles purchased outside Louisville, but registered within the City, and 3% on all commercial building materials purchased outside the City for use within the City. If adopted, the revenue generated from the 1% sales tax increase would be earmarked for the Capital Improvement Fund and specifically for the financing of a Community Center, downtown improvements, library expansion and a portion of the funds necessary to reconstruct South Boulder Road from Highway 42 east to the Lafayette City Limits. The revenue generated by the collection of a 3% use tax would be placed in the General Fund and utilized to fund the additional expenses necessary to operate the Community Center and an expanded Library operation. If approved by City Council, Ordinance #981 is subject to voter approval on Tuesday, March 21, 1989. Mayor Fauson began the public hearing and called Norbert Meier to speak. Mr. Meier, 234 Short Place, stated that as a former Mayor of the City of Louisville, he supports this Ordinance. The former Mayor stated that capital improvements is something no one wants to deal with, but those outlined tonight are necessary and have been needed for a long time. Mr. Meier supports the relocation of the Library to the Fischer Building stating that it has much better access for patrons due to better parking at the Fischer site. Mr. Meier stated that when the issue of the Rec Center came to a vote a few years back, he supported it then and continues to believe it is needed now. "People don't like to hear about an increase in taxes...., but through this sales/use tax, this is something that the citizens of Louisville can point to and say 'yes' we are in the process of building that with our money." Mr. Meier stated that most of our tax dollars go to projects we never see. 4