Money Sales tax rate cronyism? [Archive]

Lzen

11-07-2014, 09:19 AM

Topeka apparently made a deal to have a new shopping center and that the stores would charge an extra 1% sales tax on top of the normal sales tax to pay back the developer. Can someone explain to me how is this legal? I don't recall a vote on this. Am I missing something?
http://cjonline.com/news/2014-03-14/five-guys-burgers-and-fries-coming-topeka?page=1

The Topeka Capital-Journal tried unsuccessfully Friday to contact David Christie, developer for the Crosswinds Commons district.
Christie told governing body members Jan. 28 the development was expected to create more than 250 jobs while bringing in three new restaurants and a major sporting goods store.
Governing body members voted that evening to establish the CID.
The vote levied a 1 percent tax on retail sales and services within the district. The tax will be in effect for as long as 22 years, with revenue reimbursing private investment in the $22.6 million development being carried out by Overland Park-based Christie Development Associates LLC.

http://www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/pub1510.pdf

LOCAL SALES TAX
In addition to the state sales tax, counties and cities in
Kansas have had the option of imposing a local sales tax.
Before imposing a local sales tax, the governing body of
the city or county must receive the approval of a majority of
its voters. Cities may levy a local sales tax in five-hundredth
percent increments (0.05%). Counties may levy a local sales
tax in one-fourth percent increments (0.25%, 0.50%, etc.).
Cities are authorized to impose a maximum sales tax rate
of 3% (2% general and 1% special). Counties are authorized
to impose a maximum 1% general sales tax rate. Legislative
action is required for more than 1%.

Dr. Gigglepants

11-07-2014, 09:21 AM

This is quite common.
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Lzen

11-07-2014, 09:21 AM

This is quite common.
Posted via Mobile Device

Is it? I guess I have never noticed this kind of thing.

KC native

11-07-2014, 09:21 AM

It's most likely legal. Special tax districts like this pop up all the time.

Corporate welfare at its finest.

Dr. Gigglepants

11-07-2014, 09:27 AM

But if the people of Topeka can't go to target, Lowes, and on the border in one afternoon, thwy might as well be living in Kabul.
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mikeyis4dcats.

11-07-2014, 09:30 AM

it's a economic zone. Topeka has at least 2 (29th & Topeka Holiday Square), and KC has tons. Very common, and very legal.

kepp

11-07-2014, 09:44 AM

But don't those economic zones or tax districts have to be voted on? You can't just say, "Hey, we need more money. Let's create a special tax district."...can you?

Dave Lane

11-07-2014, 10:10 AM

Only John Galt followers would even give this one second of contemplation. Don't like it? Don't shop there.

Dayze

11-07-2014, 10:13 AM

in another 20 years, we should be sitting at a cool sales tax rate of about 18%.

mikeyis4dcats.

11-07-2014, 11:12 AM

But don't those economic zones or tax districts have to be voted on? You can't just say, "Hey, we need more money. Let's create a special tax district."...can you?
Yes, actually they can, up to 2% for up to 22 years. It is not a general sales tax, only applicable to that locale, so that makes it legal.

mikeyis4dcats.

11-07-2014, 11:13 AM

I assume you saw this on Facebook and the recipt posted. My thoughts are: it's $1 on every $100 you spend in that area. People were going nuts saying they would never shop there again. Gimme a break.

Rausch

11-07-2014, 11:17 AM

Only John Galt followers would even give this one second of contemplation. Don't like it? Don't shop there.

Who is John Gault?...

digger

11-07-2014, 11:47 AM

Who is John Gault?... In b4DC.

Lzen

11-07-2014, 06:05 PM

Only John Galt followers would even give this one second of contemplation. Don't like it? Don't shop there.

Only a moon bat leftist would have a view like yours.

Tell me, Dave when is enough really enough when it comes to taxation?

This sounds like a bull shit way of adding sales tax onto the public in a shady way. According to what I know and read in those links they have to get a vote approved. But I guess this is their under handed way of getting around that. I suppose you think everything the government does is just peachy.

Saulbadguy

11-07-2014, 06:11 PM

On the bright side, David Christie most likely won't pay a dime in taxes this year. ;)

Lzen

11-07-2014, 06:11 PM

I assume you saw this on Facebook and the recipt posted. My thoughts are: it's $1 on every $100 you spend in that area. People were going nuts saying they would never shop there again. Gimme a break.

I just heard about it from my wife. Perhaps one of her co workers saw it on FB? I won't go as far as to say I will never shop there. But I will take note the politicians who let this stuff happen.

007

11-07-2014, 06:12 PM

I must never shop at these places because I have never seen a receipt with this special extra tax on it. Of course, I stick to big box stores.

mikeyis4dcats.

11-07-2014, 09:09 PM

I just heard about it from my wife. Perhaps one of her co workers saw it on FB? I won't go as far as to say I will never shop there. But I will take note the politicians who let this stuff happen.

who LET what happen? Economic development that created jobs and increased the tax base?