Does one-half cent Transportation Sales Tax extension make cents?

“ABSOLUTELY.” “Ah, Seagull, if you don’t know the difference between ‘sense’ and ‘cents,’ why should we care if it makes sense to you?” “Simply put, because in the opinion of an Ole Seagull, ‘cents’ or ‘sense,’ ‘potato’ or “potato,’ a ‘Yes’ vote for the extension of the one-half cent Transportation Sales Tax on April 8, 2025, makes both ‘cents’ and ‘sense.’ It’s one of only two Branson City taxes that directly benefits the individual Branson voter just about every day.”

The Public Safety Sales Tax for our police and fire departments because, whether or not we directly use their services every day, we all have a level of protection and security just knowing that they’re there if we need them. In a similar manner, the Transportation Sales Tax, among other things, pays for the roads and transportation system that most voters and tourists that our economy depend on travel every day.

Let’s look at it from a “cents” perspective. The financial foundation of Branson, a town of about 13,000, depends on about 7-10 million tourists a year having a great experience in Branson. That requires roads and a transportation system that can accommodate them and not adversely affect their Branson experience, so that they will enjoy their Branson experience and want to return.

Another “cents,” thing to consider is that being a “sales tax,” the millions of tourists coming to Branson pay the vast majority of the total tax collected. “We’ve heard that before. Seagull, but, individually, each Branson voter will pay more in this tax than the average tourist.” “True, but that’s the case with any Branson sales tax. But unlike those for marketing, etc. this tax has a direct daily benefit for the voter because each day they drive on the roads and in the transportation system, this tax creates and maintains. With most other sales taxes, for marketing, etc., the benefit is abstract. This one provides a direct benefit as it affects their daily travel and safety.”

Let’s look at it from a “sense” perspective. No, on second thought, just reread the ‘cents’ rationale above. If that doesn’t make “sense,” nothing will. 

Either way, “cents” or “sense,” to an Ole Seagull, a “Yes” vote on extending the one-half cent Transportation Sales Tax makes perfect “cents.”