Sweet Springs aldermen consider guest tax, address changes

The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen discussed a guest tax ordinance and considered address changes recommended by the Saline County 911 Commission at their regular meeting Monday, July 14.

The proposed guest tax would cost Sweet Springs visitors 5 percent of their room rate.

"I think this tax could make us $18,000 to $20,000," said Alderwoman Vivian Bybee.

"I'm certainly in favor of it," added Alderman Lewis Bybee. "It doesn't cost anyone in the city."

Members of the board approved a motion to put the tax ordinance on the agenda for the next meeting.

If approved by the board, the tax will appear on the November ballot for Sweet Springs residents to consider.

This will be the third time a guest tax has appeared on the ballot; the ordinance was not passed during the original vote and the second time it was worded incorrectly.

Pam Teague, director of the 911 commission, spoke to the board about the need to change some addresses in Sweet Springs.

She suggested addresses that are out of sequence or repeat a number already used on a given street, be changed.

"It's going to save seconds, which will save lives," said Teague.

Although these changes will minimize confusion for emergency workers, Teague understands that some Sweet Springs residents are going to be upset.

"I'm pretty sure you're going to have a ruckus from the people that live there (changing addresses)," she said.

The board approved a motion to put an ordinance, which will call for necessary address changes and require every house to display visible numbers, on the agenda for the next meeting.

Contact Travis Watts at marshallreporter@socket.net