Rochester Chamber of Commerce Backs Sales Tax Extension

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Chamber of Commerce is backing an item that will be on the ballot for Rochester voters this fall. 

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Earlier this year the Rochester City Council approved a resolution to hold a vote in November asking citizens to decide on extending the city’s half-cent sales tax. If voters approve the extension, the tax would stay in place until it generates $205 million in revenue to fund street projects, flood control, water quality work, an economic vitality fund, and a new regional sports and recreation complex. 

The chamber issued a news release Monday morning that expressed support for the extension, calling it a tool that funds “critical projects that can improve the quality of life for citizens, support infrastructure development that serves the business community, and can help drive economic growth in the region.” The release also highlights several projects that the sales tax revenue has funded since it was first put in place in 1982. 

“The renewal of the local sales tax will provide Rochester a funding tool that supports key investments in infrastructure, quality of life, and economic growth that can drive development in the community moving forward.” said Chamber President Ryan Parsons. “It is key to note that this is a renewal of the local sales tax,” Board President John Eckerman said in the news release. “Furthermore, an estimated 43% of the revenue generated from the sales tax would be paid by non-Rochester residents.” 

The chamber and city have partnered to host information sessions on the extension vote, the first of which is set for September 7. The City of Rochester has also launched an informational website regarding the tax extension. 

A study from the University of Minnesota indicates 43% of the money raised by the sales tax revenue is spent by visitors to Rochester. The sales tax extension vote is set for November 7.