Cass County commissioners approve placing quarter‑cent sales tax on August ballot after public comment

Cass County commissioners voted 3-0 on May 26, 2022, to approve Resolution 2650, directing that a proposed quarter‑cent sales tax be placed on the August ballot after a public comment session focused on road funding and township concerns.

Supporters said the sales tax would broaden the funding base for road and bridge work and help retain crews, while opponents warned some township residents could face higher combined tax burdens. ‘‘It appears we will pay both taxes while only receiving tax money from property taxes,’’ resident Scott Howe told the commission, adding the county currently takes ‘‘a total of 21% of the property tax money from the district, 20% to the commission, 1% as a collector’s fee.’’

The proposal before the commission would replace a special road‑and‑bridge property tax with a countywide sales tax to raise funds for road maintenance, county staff said at the meeting. Several residents asked for more clarity about which specific property tax would be affected and for better public outreach explaining how the change would affect townships such as Mount Pleasant.

Resident Dallas Register asked for details about the tax described on the agenda, saying on the microphone: ‘‘On the agenda it's identified that you're going to swap out the road and bridge special property tax for the sales tax, and I was just wondering where that or what property tax that you're referring to on that special tax descriptor.’’ He and other speakers described local road problems — clogged ditches, drainage issues and inconsistent maintenance — and urged the county to adopt a more formal maintenance program.

Other speakers urged the commission to proceed. ‘‘I'm 100% for the quarter cent sales tax to replace the road and bridge,’’ said Hershel Young, who argued a sales tax spreads costs across users and would provide funds for wages, gravel and ongoing maintenance. Young also cited retention and training challenges for equipment operators.

Resident Hugh Spence urged the commission to lead on communication and transparency, saying, ‘‘The responsibility for the success or failure of this proposal rests with you all,’’ and recommending more outreach to get voter buy‑in. Spence cited registration figures he had reviewed and said turnout and clear information would determine whether voters approve the measure.

After closing public comments, the commission took up the motion. A motion and second were made and the chair recorded ‘‘three votes for, zero against,’’ announcing that Resolution 2650 passed. The meeting record does not identify which commissioner moved or seconded the motion; the roll call earlier in the session recorded Bob Houston, Mark Moreland and Jeff Watson as present.

Following the vote, the commission moved to adjourn. Resolution 2650 will appear on the August ballot; the meeting record includes no further action or follow‑up schedule related to implementation details.