City, County Decline to Participate in State’s Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday
Published: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, C-T

Consumers buying qualifying appliances between April 19 and April 25 won’t have to pay state sales taxes. But, they will have to pay city and county taxes. During the seven day Show Me Green Sales Tax holiday period in April, sales of qualifying Energy Star certified new appliances will be exempt from state sales tax. Local jurisdictions can choose to participate in the Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday; however, the city of Chillicothe and Livingston County both have decided not to participate.

Although taxing entities are required to take action only if they want to opt in to the tax break promotion, Chillicothe City Council members on Monday night voted unanimously to pass an ordinance declaring that the city would not participate in the tax holiday.

Purchases that could qualify for the 4.225 percent state tax break include products such as washers and dryers, water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, conventional ovens, air conditioners, and furnaces that are energy efficient.

City Administrator Dean Brookshier recommend that council members decide not to participate in the sales tax holiday and to continue collecting the city’s 2.25 percent tax throughout that week, stating that the city needs the money. He said that the city has established a tradition by not participating in sales tax holidays, including the back to school sales tax holidays which gives tax breaks to consumers purchasing school-related items.

The exemption is limited to qualifying energy star certified new appliances, up to one thousand five hundred dollars, per appliance.

In other business Monday night, the council passed an ordinance to suspend the payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) fees for internet services provided through Chillicothe Municipal Utilities for one year. This ordinance is reviewed annually and states that the fees will not be assessed because private internet providers do not have to pay similar taxes.

Also Monday, the council was introduced to Donnie Rodgers, who was recently hired as a firefighter/paramedic with the Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services; Leroy Snidow, a 28-year veteran of the Chillicothe Street Department who was recently promoted to the position of assistant street superintendent; and to Jeff Gillespie, a seven-year veteran of the street department who was recently promoted to street foreman.

The council on Monday also approved an ordinance accepting results of the city's primary election. Mayor Chuck Haney presided over Monday's meeting with the full council present.