On Tuesday, April 8, Cassville voters will consider a local ballot question regarding a proposed 3% sales tax on adult-use (recreational) marijuana.

This is not an increase in taxes — it’s a realignment that ensures local tax dollars stay local and are used to support priorities that matter to the people of Cassville.

Realignment, not an increase

Some confusion has circulated suggesting this proposal would stack new taxes on top of existing ones. However, a recent Missouri Court of Appeals ruling clarified that cities and counties cannot both apply the 3% tax within city limits.

If voters approve the measure, the 3% tax currently collected by Barry County will simply transition to the city of Cassville. Customers will not pay more at the counter, but Cassville will retain that revenue to support local priorities.

Why the confusion? Because it is marijuana, and let’s face it — people get nervous when the government and grass show up in the same sentence unless it’s about a USDA farm program.

A voluntary decision for local partnership

The local dispensary voluntarily requested an annexation into the city of Cassville to access key municipal services, such as water and sewer. That decision reflects a spirit of partnership — businesses see the value in aligning with a city that offers reliable infrastructure and public services.

The dispensary has also proven to be a regional draw, attracting customers not only from the local area, but from the larger southwest Missouri region, and even from neighboring states. Thanks to Missouri’s already-low tax rate on adult-use marijuana, many visitors choose to shop in Cassville, bringing outside dollars into our local economy.

By approving this tax, voters ensure the City has the tools to continue delivering high-quality services not only for business partners but for all residents, and to reinvest revenue generated by visitors directly into the community they benefit from.

Investing in Cassville’s future

Revenue from this 3% tax will be directed to:

• Public Safety: Equipment, training, and staffing for law enforcement

• Infrastructure Improvements: 7th Street Bridge, Pedestrian Bridge, and other utility supports These investments are foundational to making Cassville a community of choice — a place where families, businesses, and visitors want to live, work and play — while also supporting day-to-day municipal services, attracting investment and encouraging job creation.

Looking forward, not back

I recognize that people may have varying views about the city in the past. I get it. Maybe you’ve had concerns about the City. Maybe you’re still haunted by that time your trash day was skipped after a three-day weekend. But this isn’t about yesterday. This is about tomorrow and how we fund projects that we need.

Today, our focus is clear: we are working hard to provide the infrastructure, public safety and economic opportunity that will prepare Cassville for the future.

The needs we face in delivering quality, reliable, and responsive services — from public safety to water and sewer — are not going away. In fact, those needs and the associated costs continue to grow. Accessing dedicated revenue through this specific marijuana sales tax gives the city a targeted way to manage those rising costs without broadening the tax base across all residents.

This ballot question is not just about marijuana or tax — it’s about empowering our city to grow responsibly, serve effectively and build a better tomorrow.

Just the facts

To be clear, this proposed tax applies only to non-medical, adult-use marijuana sold within the city of Cassville. It does not apply to medical marijuana, and it does not affect groceries, gasoline, clothing or any other everyday retail items.

And let’s be honest, no one likes “higher” taxes. But in this case, the tax is already in place; the question is whether Cassville should benefit directly from it. Communities across Missouri have already adopted this same 3% tax to fund local services.

This vote simply ensures that Cassville keeps the revenue to invest in our infrastructure, safety, and future.

So no, we’re not trying to get “higher” — we’re just trying to get ahead. And, if we can improve roads, fund public safety and invest in Cassville’s future without raising taxes a single cent more than people are already paying for non-medical marijuana, well, that sounds like a pretty good trip.

I encourage all Cassville residents to consider this ballot measure carefully when you vote on April 8. Our city could really use these funds, and we believe that our priorities are the right focus areas.

Thank you for your support as we work to build a stronger, safer, and better community for everyone.

Richard Asbill is the city administrator for the city of Cassville. He is a retired school superintendent of Cassville and Bolivar. He may be reached at 417-847-4441.