Pike County Considers Use Tax

(BOWLING GREEN)-- Pike County wants to join many of its neighbors and start collecting a use tax when residents or businesses buy goods outside its borders.    The tax would be just over six percent. The issue will go before voters in November, when a heavy turnout is expected because of the presidential race. A simple majority is required for passage.
Presiding Commissioner Dan Miller said Monday that the use tax would make Pike County more competitive and encourage people and businesses to shop at home.    The use tax is similar to a sales tax. Revenue from the current Pike County sales tax funds law enforcement, road and bridge work, the hospital and the county’s general revenue fund.
Ralls, Marion, Monroe, Lewis, Shelby and Saint Charles counties are among the 39 in Missouri that already have use taxes.