By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorThe collection of use tax revenues is paying off well for Warren County officials.The tax generated $36,000 more than what was budgeted for in 2014 and is already on pace to hit the budgeted amount this year, according to commissioners.In April 2013, voters countywide passed the ballot measure to allow the county to levy a use tax on out-of-state purchases.“This is working out very well,” Southern District Commissioner Hubie Kluesner said. “I am very thankful voters passed it. The tax closed a loophole in the law. It helps our revenue without affecting many of our constituents.”The county began collecting local use tax revenues in July 2013. The following year, the county use tax generated $87,000 when commissioners had set the budget amount at $51,000.So far in 2015, the county has collected $21,942.37. This year’s budgeted amount is $85,000.The county’s local use tax totals 1.5 percent and is divided evenly between three county funds — general fund, law enforcement and capital improvements.“We are amazed by how much it has collected,” said Kluesner, noting that sentiment has been echoed from other commissioners around the state.The local use tax restores a funding source the county had lacked since the Missouri Supreme Court ruled in January 2012 that counties must obtain voter approval for local use taxes to be levied. The local use tax is primarily levied on the purchase of larger items, such as vehicles, boats and trailers.Had county voters rejected the use tax proposal in 2013, the county faced a revenue shortfall of approximately $173,000. Commissioners are thankful the measure is now in place.“It’s adding to our funds,” Presiding Commissioner Roger Mauzy said. “We can always use it.”Appointment made to disabilities boardOn Monday, commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the appointment of Kelly Brooks, Foristell, to the Warren County Developmental Disabilities Board. Northern District Commissioner Dan Hampson was absent at the time the vote was made.Brooks fills a vacancy on the board. Her three-year term will expire Oct. 31, 2017. The board allocates funding for agencies that assist people with developmental disabilities.Use tax approval paying off for county