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Frequently Asked Questions

The material in this question and answer series is for your information only. It is not legal advice and is not designed to be used in place of legal advice. You should consult your own attorney for legal advice. The St. Joseph Legal Department provides this series to provide a general summary of procedures concerning violations of city ordinances in the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. It is issued to inform generally, not to advise of specific rights. As with any general information, the answers given here may not specifically apply to you.
What revenue sources are used to finance CIP?
For the past several years, financing for most capital projects has been “pay-as-you-go”. In other words, capital projects are paid for out of the cash flow provided by the half-cent CIP Sales Tax and available monies from other fund balances.

Large Sewer CIP projects are financed by revenue bonds approved by a vote of the citizens as well as through bonds approved through development boards. The annual bond payments are included in the overall rates charged to customers.

Several years ago, improvements to the Parking Garages, Health Department, Parks Department facility, and Landfill facility were financed using PBA (Public Building Authority) issued bonds. Annual payments are authorized from the existing revenue streams of the funds in which the improvement occurred.

By State statute, the City is permitted, by vote of 2/3rds majority, to incur General Obligation (GO) debt in the amount not to exceed 20% of the assessed value of the City.

Show All Answers

1. What is St. Joseph's current ad valorem tax rate?
2. What is St. Joseph's total budget?
3. What is Ad Valorem?
4. What is St. Joseph's current Ad Valorem tax rate? Break down by funds.
5. How much does the average citizen pay based on the above tax rate?
6. What is the total Sales Tax rate in St. Joseph?
7. What is the Operating Budget?
8. What is CIP?
9. How is the CIP developed?
10. What revenue sources are used to finance CIP?
11. Why use General Obligation Bonds?
12. What are “funds” and why does the City have them?
13. What is the General Fund?
14. What is an Enterprise Fund?
15. What is Capital Outlay?
16. What is the City of St. Joseph's fiscal year?
17. Where can I get a copy of City of St. Joseph budget?