By Debbie Robinson
news@joplinglobe.com
MIAMI, Okla. — Residents of Miami turned out in large numbers Saturday for the free pancake breakfast provided by the city.
More than 1,000 people were expected to attend the event at the Civic Center as well as tour informational booths set up by different agencies.
Up before dawn, about 15 volunteers from various city departments began flipping pancakes and sausages for the city’s ninth annual Customer Appreciation Day.
No surveys were distributed this year as they were last year to gauge views on city issues, but, like last year, a sales-tax proposal to rebuild city streets was a topic of conversation.
Voters in Miami last year rejected a 1-cent increase, but council members continue to push for another ballot measure.
Councilman Scott Trussler said Saturday he will continue to call for a vote on a half-cent sales-tax increase.
“I’ve received a verbal commitment (from councilmen) that a half-cent is agreeable (to put on the ballot),” he said.
A half-cent increase is expected to generate about $800,000 a year for a span of 15 years, Trussler said. If approved, the measure would increase the total sales tax in Miami to 9.35 cents on every dollar spent in the city.
Mayor Brent Brassfield topped Trussler’s proposal with a plan to seek voter approval for a 1-cent tax increase.
“I’m pushing for a minimum of a penny, but I could be the only one (in favor) on the council,” Brassfield said.
The winter, with below-average temperatures, further damaged streets, he said.
“People know they’re bad when they see potholes, but they can’t see the base,” Brassfield said. “Nobody likes to raise taxes, but Miami’s cost of living is very low, and you have to look at the big picture.”
In case talk of taxes was too much, among the 30 informational booths was one offering blood pressure screenings.
Miami resident Rhonda Snow said she attends every year. She also said she favors a tax increase to generate money for road repair.
“I’m very concerned about the streets,” she said. “We just don’t want to see our town deteriorate.”
City Manager Huey Long said residents expressed concern about streets, but complimented city officials on a cleanup campaign.
“One of the things we’re beginning to see is a higher level of cooperation on cleaning up property,” Long said.
Resident Kathy Crow said she had no opinion on a proposed sales-tax increase.
“I just come here to enjoy the company,” she said.
