A one cent sales tax will be on the ballot in Junction City in November. It will continue the current sales tax that began January 1, 2011 but is due to expire on December 31, 2020.

City Manager Allen Dinkel said it collects approximately $3.5 million per year for city debt relief. ” It takes more than sales tax to pay off the debt level we’re paying, because we’re paying about $11 million a year in debt, or debt payments with interest included. ” Dinkel added in the past five years or four-and-a-half years that he has been in Junction City the city’s general debt has decreased from $114 million to about $76 million.

The sales tax issue will be on the ballot in November so a special election will not have to be held next summer to continue the tax.

Dinkel told the Junction City Commission that the bottom line if the one cent sales tax does not pass is that the City would have to find $3.5 million per dollars per year. That would mean either cut services dramatically or raise property taxes by up to 21 or 22 mills.

The city manager also noted that if they get to the 2025 or 2026 range the City will be in a lot better shape.