BOONE, Iowa—The Boone City Council Monday evening was presented with information about possible ways to cover the cost of a possible Wellness Center and related programming. The staff presentation was prepared at the request of the council and included participation by Ames Economic Development. On KWBG Tuesday, Mayor John Slight said he knows some residents will remain opposed to any project, but he said he hoped that paying by using the existing Local Option Sales Tax might remove the concern about the previous proposal to raise the franchise fee on gas and electric service.

The presentation Monday was the first time most Councilmembers heard the proposal. Councilmember Eli Stine did make a motion to put the matter to a public vote during the General Election in November. The motion failed for lack of a second. The council did approve a resolution for a public meeting on the matter during the June 21st Council meeting.  Slight did say on KWBG that he’d heard reports of efforts get a petition to bring the proposed sale of Local Option Sales Tax Bonds to a public vote.

The Local Option Sales Tax in Boone was approved by voters in May 1990 and requires the city to use 75% for capital projects and purchases, 20% for property tax relief and 5% for Human Service programs. The Option Tax was passed to pay for the remodeling and addition to the Ericson Public Library and the Boone Municipal Swimming Pool. During budget preparation, one portion is the use of the 75% for capital improvements and equipment. The Council also approved the 5% Human Service distribution during Monday’s meeting. And the 20% for property tax relief was included in the budget approved in March.

Attached is the brochure that included information presented to the City Council.

Boone Wellness Programs Feasibility Report