[Winona Online Democracy]
Congratulations are in order for KWNO, Bob Sebo and Mayor Miller for opening the public discussion to the broader community today on the radio this morning. It is hopeful the newspapers and the city will expand the public discussion including the potential impact on the school district should they also have a vote at the same time.
One item surely that needs a lot of public discussion is the potential use of Sales Tax revenues for tourism and cultural grants including the number of five percent which was thrown out onto the general public discussion this morning. The legislature may also wish to look at setting aside 5 % of the proceeds for the schools to enhance their cultural programs including plays, musicals and even athletics. Reading between the radio statements the downtown parking shortage appear to be one of the items that "may not" be funded by the sales tax. Instead, if approved, parking might be located near the Senior Center, Library and for the convenience of tourists using the auditorium still not addressing a downtown parking ramp at Center and Second Street for employees and shoppers who will be funding it by their local purchases. Also confirmed was the fact that projections on sales tax revenue did not include Wal-Mart or Menards or any additional stores. Based on the number of their employees and the amount of revenue required to pay their labor costs I think it would be safe to guess that these retail units will generate about $200,000 per year for the 1/2 percent sales tax. Others may be able to better estimate the gross sales that both companies expect from their similar operating units. Paul Double
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