CAMDENTON, Mo. (KY3) – Several Missouri lawmakers want to eliminate sales tax on food, but some city leaders say losing that money would lead to big problems for them and you.

At least six bills that would eliminate the tax on food are going through the state legislature. Republicans and Democrats in both the House and the Senate have told us how much this would help Missourians in the past, but city leaders say lawmakers don’t understand how badly this would hurt Missouri cities.

”It would absolutely be devastating,” said Camdenton City Administrator Jeff Hooker.

Kevin Homes moved from Wisconsin to Camdenton less than six months ago. He says it’s more expensive.

”It’s cheaper to live in Wisconsin,” said Homes.

Hooker says the tax cut would eliminate more than a million dollars of the city’s $6 million budget.

“You would see a decrease in infrastructure projects. I would have to definitely probably reduce staffing,” said Hooker.

He says spending money on roads and the city pool could be reduced.

”It’s not just a little cut here or a little cut there. It’s it’s pretty massive,” said Hooker.

Homes say it would better help people pay for food.

”I think a lot more people could afford the food, better foods, and be a relief to the expense of groceries these days.”

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