Early next month Joplin voters will decide whether to add an internet use tax to purchases. City Manager Nick Edwards will make his pitch Monday night at the City Council meeting. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

At Monday’s City Council meeting City Manager Nick Edwards will present a 27-slide proposal with details of his 2020 city “Listening Tour” that over 1,400 residents participated in that garnered over 7,000 responses. According to the presentation which is available on the city’s website, Joplin needs more financial resources to meet the city’s needs and passage of a 3.125% internet use tax would address that.

According to estimates from Joplin officials, if approved the internet use tax would bring in up to two million dollars annually and help shore up the city’s finances. Residents in Webb City approved a 2.5% internet use tax in 2017 which has brought over an average of over $345,000 annually in new revenue. The election in Joplin takes place on Tuesday, November 2nd. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro