April Public Affairs Committee Report
By Heath Clarkston
Half-Cent Sales Tax for Capital Improvements Extension on April 7 Ballot
Since 2007, voters in Cole County and Jefferson City have supported a local sales tax to improve and expand our local infrastructure and this key tax will be on the April 7th ballot.
The HBA continues to support this important local tax as it has funded and will continue to fund key transportation and infrastructure projects in our community that benefit our industry and promote economic activity for the entire region. The City and County have done an excellent job laying out the use of past funds and their anticipated needs if the tax is extended. You can learn more at ImproveColeCounty.com
Jefferson City Council Election on April 7th
On Tuesday, April 7th, Jefferson City voters will head to the polls for two competitive council races. Below is the final list of candidate filings:
Ward 1: Randy Hoselton (incumbent) v. George Bacon
Ward 2: Mike Lester
Ward 3: Dr. Teaka Young
Ward 4: Chris Leuckel
Ward 5: Mackenzie Job (incumbent) v. Rebekah Frost
Home Ownership Legislation Moving in Senate
Senate Bill 1001, sponsored by Sen. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles Co.) is an omnibus real estate bill that was given first round approval in the Missouri Senate on March 25th. The bill as filed, entitled “American Dream Act” aims at ensuring institutional buyers no longer continue the practice of purchasing large amounts of single-family housing in communities to which drive up the cost of housing for future homebuyers and make homeownership unattainable for many. This issue has become very prominent both nationally and in our state. This legislation defines an “institutional buyer” and prohibits such buyers from acquiring single-family homes unless such homes have been listed for sale publicly for more than 90 days. The bill has exemptions for new construction and home builders.
During the Senate floor debate, numerous amendments were added, including language that ensures that individuals who own property that is used for short-term rentals (ie Airbnb or HomeAway) will be assessed as residential property and not commercial property. Also, the bill creates a new consumer disclosure process on the practices of “real estate wholesaler” and “residential sale leaseback” to ensure individuals understand their rights before a contract becomes effective.