Sales tax for War Memorial Field to end in new year

SANDPOINT — Residents will be paying a little less in sales tax in the new year, as a 1% local sales tax approved in 2015 for improvements at War Memorial Field is set to expire.

Local businesses will stop collecting this tax starting Jan. 1 of 2021, and may need to update accounting and cash register software before the end of December to reflect that change, according to a press release from the city of Sandpoint. Final sales tax remittance is due to the city by Jan. 20, 2021.

Approximately $6,750,000 was collected through the tax since its implementation on Jan. 1 of 2016, according to the release. Other funding sources for improvements including grants and donations totaled over $500,000.

To date, War Memorial Field has had the addition of a new Cotton Barlow Grandstands and a new gateway, a new artificial field surface and subfield drainage system, new batting cages and other sports improvements, according to the release.

Additional improvements planned for 2021 include a new boat launch ramp, an ADA accessible non-motorized launch for kayaks and paddleboards and an ADA accessible walkway to the waterfront.

Parking lots will also be expanded to provide additional boat trailer and car parking spots, according to the release, and a boat staging area will be included along with a permanent restroom, a boat wash station and added lighting and landscaping.

In addition, stormwater outfalls in the area were consolidated, and additional management and treatment features were added. In the future, the city plans to add an additional boat docks, breakwater and a water-accessible dog park, according to the release.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished at War Memorial Field,” said Mayor Shelby Rognstad. “We have followed through on our promise to the voters and delivered the original vision at War Memorial and more in five years.”