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1. What is a parks and stormwater sales tax?

A parks and stormwater sales tax is a dedicated sales tax applied to retail sales made within city limits. All revenue is dedicated to providing funding for local parks and stormwater control in Creve Coeur.

2. How much is the parks and stormwater sales tax?

The parks and stormwater sales tax rate is ½ of 1%—in other words, ½ of one penny for every dollar spent within the city limits. For example, the additional sales tax on a $50 purchase would be $0.25. It is estimated the sales tax will generate $2 million per year.

3. What will the revenue be used for?

Revenue collected from the parks and stormwater sales tax will be used to improve and maintain local parks and stormwater infrastructure. The City’s Parks Master Plan and Stormwater Master Plan provide recommendations for capital improvements and amenities over the next ten years.

4. Who pays the parks and stormwater sales tax?

Anyone shopping within Creve Coeur will pay the parks and stormwater half-cent sales tax, including both residents and non-residents.

5. How would the additional revenues relate to costs?

The annual cost to provide services to our residents continues to increase while our revenue sources remain flat. The parks and stormwater sales tax will provide a dedicated revenue source to maintain and improve city parks and stormwater infrastructure.

6. What improvements to city parks are recommended in the Parks Master Plan?

Adopted in 2019, the Parks Master Plan is a community-driven guide that has established priorities for improvements in city parks. Recommendations for new amenities and renovations include: 

• Resurfacing walking paths
• Converting restrooms to year-round use
• Replacing and expanding playground equipment
• Adding new nature trails and athletic courts
• Replacing tennis courts and adding pickleball courts
• Adding water play features

A complete list of recommendations for local park improvements is outlined in the Parks Master Plan. The parks and stormwater sales tax will provide funding to implement this plan.

7. What improvements to stormwater infrastructure are recommended in the Stormwater Master Plan?

The Stormwater Master Plan, adopted in 2012, identifies problem areas within Creve Coeur where excess runoff causes flooding, erosion and potential damage to properties. Approximately $13 million in future stormwater-related projects have been identified, including projects to mitigate erosion and flooding along the numerous creeks and drainageways in Creve Coeur. New stormwater inlets and similar infrastructure are needed in streets throughout the city and would be incorporated into pavement maintenance and replacement projects. With additional revenue, the City can fundamentally change its approach to stormwater management, shifting from reacting to emergencies to planning needed improvements and maintenance.

8. Can the parks and stormwater sales tax be used to fund projects or expenses not related to parks and stormwater control?

No. By law, the parks and stormwater sales tax may only be used to fund local parks and stormwater control. A special fund will be created in which all sales tax proceeds would be recorded.

9. Which cities in the St. Louis region have a parks & stormwater sales tax?

Prior to voter approval of the parks and stormwater sales tax in November 2020, Creve Coeur was one of a small number of cities in St. Louis County that had not implemented the parks and stormwater sales tax. All communities adjacent to Creve Coeur (with the exception of Westwood Village, which has no city parks) had adopted the parks and stormwater sales tax. This map illustrates which cities had implemented a parks and stormwater sales tax in St. Louis County prior to November 2020.

10. How will the total Creve Coeur sales tax rate compare to other cities around us?

The overall Creve Coeur sales tax rate will be at or below those of our neighboring communities. This document shows sales tax rates in St. Louis County prior to voter approval of the parks and stormwater sales tax rate in November 2020.

11. What do the citizen committees think about the parks and stormwater sales tax?

The City’s Finance Committee, Parks and Historic Preservation Committee, and Stormwater Committee have all reviewed the plan and made a positive recommendation to the City Council.