Text of “General Information…Shop Monroe County:

“• Guaranteed Income: The shared tax provides a reliable source of income dedicated for school facility maintenance and upgrades. Property owners no longer would pay 100% for facility needs. Anyone, homeowners or not, who shop in Monroe County would contribute toward keeping our schools up to date. Property owners would get relief from paying for all school facility needs.

• How much sales tax will each district receive? The money generated each year will be divided between the school districts based on each district’s percentage of the overall student population within Monroe County. Projection: Columbia $800K; Waterloo $1.2M; and Valmeyer $200K.

• What items are subject to sales tax? Anything that is currently taxed, such as: restaurants, gas, shops, furniture, car parts, etc. (Example: Walmart, receipt of $100 and would increase $1.08; Restaurant bill $50 add $0.50)

• What items are NOT subject to the sales tax: • Unprepared foods/groceries •Services are not taxed • farm equipment/parts • Over-the-counter or prescription medication and medical supplies • Vehicles, cars, trucks, boats, RVs.

• What are sales taxes in nearby counties and cities? Monroe County – 6.5%; St. Clair County – 7.35%; St. Louis County – 7.11%; Columbia – 6.5%; Waterloo – 6.5% (Commons Business District – 7.5%); Belleville – 8.1%; Fairview Heights – 8.35%; Collinsville – 8.1%; O’Fallon – 7.85%”