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Frequently Asked Questions

The material in this question and answer series is for your information only. It is not legal advice and is not designed to be used in place of legal advice. You should consult your own attorney for legal advice. The St. Joseph Legal Department provides this series to provide a general summary of procedures concerning violations of city ordinances in the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. It is issued to inform generally, not to advise of specific rights. As with any general information, the answers given here may not specifically apply to you.
What are “funds” and why does the City have them?
The City receives revenues from many different sources. Some of them have restrictions on how they can be used. For example, money from the Federal government (called Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, funds) must be used in low & moderate income areas, blighted areas, and or for other specified purposes. Monies received through the specially assessed parks maintenance property tax must be used maintain the City’s parks. The transportation sales tax approved by voters goes specifically to the Mass Transit Fund in order to support the City’s bus system.

In order to be sure that monies received are spent as legally required the City sets up different Funds (like separate bank accounts) to keep track of where the money comes from and how it is spent. This is verified every year during an audit by independent, outside auditors.

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1. What is St. Joseph's current ad valorem tax rate?
2. What is St. Joseph's total budget?
3. What is Ad Valorem?
4. What is St. Joseph's current Ad Valorem tax rate? Break down by funds.
5. How much does the average citizen pay based on the above tax rate?
6. What is the total Sales Tax rate in St. Joseph?
7. What is the Operating Budget?
8. What is CIP?
9. How is the CIP developed?
10. What revenue sources are used to finance CIP?
11. Why use General Obligation Bonds?
12. What are “funds” and why does the City have them?
13. What is the General Fund?
14. What is an Enterprise Fund?
15. What is Capital Outlay?
16. What is the City of St. Joseph's fiscal year?
17. Where can I get a copy of City of St. Joseph budget?