By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The number of special taxing districts continues to grow in Missouri, according to a new state audit.
The inquiry focuses on Transportation Development districts, most of which are in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. It finds that developers are setting up the districts to include new taxes, usually sales taxes, without a public vote.
"Our concern over this whole process is a lack of accountability and oversight," said Auditor Susan Montee. "The public doesn't even know that there is extra taxation going on."
A similar audit last year recommended the Legislature make changes to the rules on creating Transportation Development Districts, and this year's audit makes the same recommendation.