Maryland Heights, MO

When Maryland Heights' voters go to the polls on Tuesday, April 4, with the exception of Ward 1, they will vote for one City Council member from their ward for a two year term.

In Ward 1, incumbent Susan Taylor is on the ballot. Due to a relocation by former Councilmember Bietsch, incumbent James Surgeon is also on the ballot for a one year term. Ward 1 voters will be able to vote for two candidates.

In Ward 2, incumbent Howard Abrams is on the ballot with Sudhir Rathod, and Jamie Gilley also running.

In Ward 3, incumbent Nancy Medvick is on the ballot.

And in Ward 4, incumbent Norm Rhea is on the ballot.

To view a sample ballot, click here for the St. Louis County Board of Elections. 

There are two propositions that will be on the Maryland Heights April 4th ballot:

Prop U:

Shall the City of Maryland Heights impose a local use tax at the same rate as the total local sales tax rate, provided, that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by voter approval, the local use tax shall also be reduced or raised by the same action?

A Use Tax is a tax on the purchase of goods by Missouri residents from out-of-state vendors. In the last decade, internet purchases have made it easier to obtain items from out-of-state vendors. As these internet purchases increase, local revenues decrease. Funds generated from the Use Tax can be used to pay for vital municipal services including: public safety, additional sidewalks, trash/recycling/yard waste pickup, utility tax rebates, parks and equipment. The Use Tax would be the same rate as a local sales tax (0.5%) and would only affect you if you purchase an item from a vendor whose address is out-of-state.

When Prop U was last up for consideration in the November 2022 General Election, we received questions about how the tax would function. The easiest way is to see firsthand through your current purchase history. In other words - check your receipts!

Most items that you purchase online are from companies that have a Missouri address. If you make an online purchase from a local retailer, even if it is a chain company, they may be collecting a SALES TAX on your purchase. If you are already paying a SALES TAX on a purchase, you WILL NOT pay a Use Tax on the same purchase. Simply put, a local Use Tax ensures out-of-state purchases are taxed at the same rate as purchases from your local businesses.

For more information on Prop U, please visit: www.marylandheights.com/UseTax.

Prop M:

Shall the City of Maryland Heights be authorized to impose a local sales tax upon the sale of adult use marijuana in an amount not to exceed three percent provided that, if the rate is reduced or raised by voter approval, the local sales tax shall be reduced or raised by the same amount?

In the November 2022 election, a statewide initiative was approved by voters that legalized the adult-use of recreational marijuana and gave cities an opportunity to tax cannabis sales up to three percent (3.0%). This municipal tax would be in addition to the regular sales tax and the six percent (6%) state marijuana tax created by Amendment 3. Just as previous cigarette or alcohol taxes that had to be approved by voters, Prop M is asking voters if they want to allow the city to place a tax of up to three percent on the retail sales of marijuana to adults in the city. If passed, revenue from Prop M will go to General Funds and help pay for public safety, infrastructure, equipment, etc.

There are currently no marijuana dispensaries within Maryland Heights’ city limits. In 2019, Maryland Heights approved two separate medical marijuana dispensaries, but neither companies were able to secure a license from the State of Missouri. Even if an additional recreational marijuana tax passes, medical marijuana will only be taxed at 4 percent, and no additional taxes will be added. Other cities such as Chesterfield, Crestwood, Kirkwood, O’Fallon, Olivette, and University City are also considering a recreational marijuana tax on upcoming ballots.