Support The 1/2 Cent
Why invest through a local sales tax?
Ashland is growing. Our community spaces should grow with us.
As more families choose to call Ashland home, the need for quality recreation and wellness opportunities continues to grow. Investing today means ensuring our children, families, and older adults have places to stay active, build relationships, and enjoy the community they call home for years to come.
Ashland has an opportunity to invest in facilities our community has identified as priorities while leveraging millions of dollars in private donations, state funding, and corporate support. The proposed half-cent sales tax is the community’s portion of that investment.
What is a half cent sales tax?
Unlike property taxes, a local sales tax is paid only when taxable purchases are made. Residents, visitors, commuters, and anyone shopping in Ashland all contribute when they make eligible purchases within the city.
A half-cent sales tax is an additional 0.5% sales tax on most taxable goods and services sold within Ashland. If approved by voters, the revenue generated by this half-cent sales tax would be dedicated to helping fund the construction of the Ashland Wellness & Aquatic Center and improvements to the Jack Anderson Ball Park.
These projects were designed for today’s Ashland residents, not to attract growth from somewhere else. It addresses needs identified by families who already live here.
Quick Facts
- This would only cost 50¢ per $100 spent
- Sales tax is also paid by those who don't live here but shop, eat, and support our local businesses.
- No increase in property taxes. The proposed projects would be funded through a half-cent local sales tax that is shared by everyone making taxable purchases in Ashland.
- This tax would not apply to gasoline, most groceries, prescriptions, rent, mortgages, utilities, or insurance.
- The proposed half-cent sales tax is temporary. If approved by voters, it will remain in effect only until the bonds issued to finance the voter-approved projects have been repaid.
- The revenue generated will be used only for improvements to the ball park and construction of the Ashland Wellness & Aquatic Center..
- If approved, Ashland's total sales tax rate would be 7.5%, which is comparable to communities like Gretna, Fremont, and Norfolk.