Washington—The Washington City Council tabled action about a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) resolution until its August 17,a move that followed a lengthly presentation by Opal Current of the Iowa Department of Revenue detailing LOST provisions.

LOST is being sought by the Washington County Board of Supervisors to finance a new Washington County Safety Center, estimated at a cost of $5 million. The measure would have to be countywide and plans call for 100 percent of the revenue to be used to pay for the Center, retiring the total debt within five to six years. A similar move, calling for a ten year term with approximately 50 percent sued for the Center financing was defeated by voters last August.

The LOST proposition goes to the county voters November 16, and is passed probably would be initiated in January. If it does not start in January, it would take effect July 1.

Current told the council that LOST can be implemented only in full year increments, although it could conclude (sunset) within a half year, meaning the term could be five and one-half years.

She also noted that as of July 1, 1998 there were 459 jurisdictions in 50 counties who had adopted a LOST measure. In addition several counties in Iowa are considering have a LOST this fall.

In other business, the council:

•received letter of resignation from council member Mark McConnell, effective August 1. His term expires December 31 and the council, under code, may fill the vacancy by appointment. The appointee must come from the First Ward, and the council has 40 days from the date of the resignation to fill the position. Election to the post would be on the November ballot.

•learned that council member Larry DeLong, councilman at large, will not seek re-election in November.