Edgerton voters narrowly approved a 1% special use sales tax for stormwater and street improvements, according to unofficial final results from the Johnson County Election Office on Tuesday.
Voters approved the measure by a nine-vote margin, with 52.4%, or 98 voters, for the measure, compared to 47.6%, or 89 voters against.
Final official results will be certified on March 10 by the Board of County Canvassers.
The 1% tax bumps up the city’s sales tax to 9.975%.
That money will help fund stormwater and street infrastructure improvements, as well as all things necessary for the construction and financing of such projects, including bonds and other financial obligations.
“I’m so thankful to everyone that took the time to vote,” Mayor Donald Roberts said in an email Tuesday. “I am excited to work with city council to get started prioritizing stormwater and streets projects needed in our community.”
He added: “The vast majority of this dedicated sales tax will be collected from visitors and businesses making purchases in Edgerton.”
The sales tax takes effect by Oct. 1, with the city expecting to see money starting to come into its coffers in December.
City officials will start prioritizing and planning projects with the funds this fall.
The 1% sales tax expires after a decade, on Sept. 30, 2036.
Based on city projections, the increased sales tax could generate up to $700,000 annually, which would make up about 12.88% of the city’s annual sales tax revenue based on 2025 estimates.
The tax is expected to raise a total of $7 million over its full decade lifespan.
“The new stormwater and streets sales tax will support upgrades to our stormwater systems and street improvements across the community,” City Administrator Beth Linn said in an email Tuesday. “We’re grateful to the community for taking the time to vote in this election.”
