Sales tax holiday is set

SIKESTON - Shoppers can keep it local when looking for back-to-school specials this summer.

City Council members decided during their regular meeting Monday to not pass an ordinance opting out of a state-imposed "sales tax holiday."

The back-to-school sales tax holiday makes school supplies and designated items such as clothing and personal computers exempt from state and local sales tax on Aug. 13-15.

While the sales tax holiday coincides with the annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo weekend, Missy Marshall, executive director of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, said area merchants ranging from Wal-Mart to smaller local businesses all requested the city participate.

As of April 19, a total of 60 counties and 112 municipalities have opted out of the holiday, with more expected prior to the July 9 deadline.

Officials noted, however, that both Miner and Cape Girardeau will also participate in the sales tax holiday.