1/2% Sales Tax for York on November 4th Ballot

What is this ½% Sales Tax Issue and How Would it Work for York?

• It provides an opportunity for City governments to form inter-local agreements with other tax supported entities to work on upgrading recreation and infrastructure needs that all communities have and typically can’t afford because of normal budget constraints. The City of York and York Public Schools have partnered up for this.
• If successfully passed during the November 4th election, an extra ½% sales tax would be added to some purchases within York
o Estimated revenue of this extra ½% sales tax is $1,000,000 annually with an estimated 60% of it from travelers that take advantage of our great interstate offerings

 Types of Items that are charged Sales Tax: personal property purchases, prepared food, retail purchases, etc.

 Types of Items that ARE NOT charged Sales Tax: groceries, agricultural/farm purchases, prescription medicine, medical treatment, etc.

• This additional revenue would then be used by the City of York and York Public Schools to build and maintain two major projects that are required to be completed by July 2016 and that would be bonded for 20 - 25 years.
o Quiet zone within the entire city
o Ball field complex

• All FIVE of the railroad crossing areas have to be done before we can have a Quiet Zone at any of them. BNSF requires an all or nothing approach with quiet zones. Right now, we have two of the five done and it will cost at least $2 million to prepare the other three; which will take a long, long time if this extra revenue isn’t available.

• Smaller projects that have been suggested over the life of this 20 to 25-year period:
o Senior Center improvements
o Improving traffic flow at York Elementary with additional roadways
o Enhancing our Trails, Parks, Roads, Tracks, Tennis Courts, Aquatic Center, Community Center, Auditorium and other facilities that improve our quality of life and can help make our town stronger for our current residents and more appealing to those that might be looking to re-locate
o If needed, finish paying off the balance of the Hub Foster Press Box Project at East Hill Field inside Levitt Stadium
o Necessary road work
 Many of these projects will help relieve some current budget constraints of the City of York and YPS and could help lead to property tax relief


What the Funds CANNOT be used for
• This additional revenue can’t buy city vehicles or pay salaries and benefits that aren’t related to the maintenance of these projects.
• It can’t purchase fire trucks and other items not related to recreation and infrastructure.
• By State Law, it must be used for recreation and infrastructure!

Why have many people said they will “vote yes” on November 4th?
• Improve and increase the recreation and wellness options for York residents of all ages
• URGENCY – This sale tax gives us the ability to almost immediately provide what many of our citizens have been asking for over the past several years in the form of a quiet zone, a ball field complex, and sustainable budgetary income to make infrastructure improvements throughout York.
o The community survey conducted in the summer of 2014 indicated that nearly 80% of our citizens were in favor of an increase in sales tax for infrastructure and recreation improvements.
• The City of York and York Public Schools are working together on this exciting venture to better serve our patrons and to maximize our resources
• With the City of York and York Public Schools being able to access the additional revenue from this ½ % sales tax, it gives both entities the possibility of providing property tax relief in the future
o Again, 60% of the estimated $1 million+ annually will come from travelers/non-residents of the City of York
• These additional funds also allow for added personnel costs to take great care of the new ball field complex and other facility additions and improvements that occur

What’s the Financial Impact of this Possibility on YOU?
• If you make a $100 purchase, this ½% sales tax increase will cost you an added 50 CENTS
• If you make a $500 purchase, this ½% sales tax increase will cost you an additional $2.50
• If you make a $1,000 purchase, this ½% sales tax increase will cost you an additional $5.00

GET INVOLVED AND LEARN MORE AT THE FINAL PUBLIC FORUM
• Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00 PM at the York Community Center

PLEASE GET INFORMED AND GET OUT AND VOTE on November 4th