As the city of St. Joseph prepares to embark on its next Capital Improvements Program (CIP), the public is being offered the opportunity to submit projects for consideration.
The CIP half-cent sales tax generates approximately $7 million dollars annually and is the major source of funding for capital projects. The first CIP sales tax was voter approved in 1989, and subsequent programs have been successfully approved by the voters every five years since. A large percentage of sales tax revenue comes from those living outside St. Joseph who do not pay property taxes, but who use the city streets, city facilities, and can call on public safety personnel if necessary.
Past projects funded through the CIP sales tax have included the construction of three new fire stations, reconstruction of the Riverside Road and Gene Field intersection, the new splash park at Hyde Park, new playgrounds at various neighborhood parks, and maintenance to city streets. More information and a complete list of CIP projects completed over the years, visit the CIP page.
Projects submitted must be for a public purpose, i.e., to build, improve, maintain or repair public facilities which can include roads, bridges, buildings, sewers, etc. CIP sales tax revenues cannot be used on private facilities. Groups interested in submitting a public project for consideration can do so by accessing the CIP Project Submission Form (PDF) or by contacting the city manager’s office at 271-4670. At a minimum, the information required includes the type, location, and justification for the project as well as an estimate of the cost involved. The completed form can be submitted to mrobertson@stjosephmo.gov or delivered/mailed to City Hall, Room 307, 1100 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64501, no later than 5pm, Friday, February 23, 2023.