Bethany, MO: Bethany residents will vote in August on a referendum to establish a comprehensive use tax for online purchases.
The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a motion by Eastward Alderman Charles Crabtree to place the measure on the August primary election ballot.
City officials said local businesses have been hurt by the increasing popularity of buying products from such online businesses as Amazon. At the present time, Amazon and other online outlets do not charge sales tax.
A use tax for online purchases “would level the playing field between local businesses and online businesses,” said City Administrator Jonne Slemons.