Tyler Celebrates Half-Cent Sales Tax’s 20th Anniversary

TYLER — Dozens turned out at Gallery Main Street in downtown Tyler Thursday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the city’s half-cent sales tax. City Engineer Carter Delleney says the word “legacy” came to mind as he chatted with the other attendees — including some who helped put the half-cent sales tax in motion. He noted that about $170 million worth of capital improvement projects have been funded by the tax. Voters approved the tax Nov. 7, 1995, to fund capital infrastructure projects that officials say enhance the community and attract economic development.

Each year, the city collects approximately $13 million in half cent sales tax revenues, which have allowed the city to pay cash for capital improvements. Those include the relocation and construction of Fire Station 5, construction of a new police substation, and street improvements such as the construction of Earl Campbell Parkway and the extension of Cumberland Road. Other projects that have benefited from the tax include the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport Terminal, Faulkner Park, the Fair Parking Garage downtown, and the Glass Recreation Center. The tax is currently being used for a number of projects, including the current construction of the Tyler Animal Care Facility.