BELLE — Voters in Belle’s municipal city limits will decide April 7 whether to approve a proposed city safety sales tax intended to fund law enforcement operations.

The measure, approved by the board of aldermen, for placement on the ballot, would impose a half of one percent sales tax on retail sales within the city. The tax would apply to all sellers engaged in selling tangible personal property or taxable services at retail, provided those transactions are already subject to state sales tax under Missouri law.

According to the ordinance, revenue generated from the tax would be used solely for law enforcement purposes for Belle. While the proposed sales tax is designated strictly for law enforcement purposes, city officials have clarified that the revenue will not be used for salaries, including the city marshal’s salary.

That means funds generated by the one-half of one percent sales tax would be limited to non-salary law enforcement expenses, such as equipment, vehicles, training and other operational needs tied to policing.

The ordinance itself does not list specific spending categories, but it does require that all revenue be used solely for law enforcement. Local clarification indicates that restriction will exclude payroll and compensation. The tax also would not be used for general city expenses, infrastructure or departments outside of law enforcement, and it would be added on top of existing sales taxes rather than replacing them.

The ordinance cites Missouri statutes authorizing municipalities to impose such a tax, but also requires voter approval before it can take effect. As a result, the question will be submitted to qualified voters during the next general election.

The ballot language will ask: “Shall the City of Belle, Missouri, impose a city safety sales tax of one-half of one percent, to be used solely for the City of Belle law enforcement purposes?”

Voters will be given the option to vote “Yes” or “No.”

Polling places include St. Alexander Catholic Church on West Third Street and the Belle/Bland Community Center on Highway 28 West. Polls are scheduled to open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on election day.