The proposal would have to be voted on in a referendum which Brown would like to see placed on the ballot, most likely in February.
The sales tax increase would net the county $714,795.05 and other municipalities would share the remainder of the total $1,001,420.80 the increase would generate. The sales tax is currently 7.75 cents per $1 and if approved by voters it would be 8 cents per $1.
“We’re trying to explore different revenue options,” Brown told commissioners.
Brown said the increase would have an educational piece to it where the county would explain why it is seeking the change.
Board Chairman James Pierce said the county would have to temper the increase with continued efforts to streamline its operations.
While Commissioner Gene Minton said he had no problem putting the matter on the ballot he added, “I don’t believe we are responsible to sell it to the public. If we put on a ballot let them decide.”
Minton explained that doesn’t mean he approves of the increase. “I’m in favor of the voters making their own decision. It would really be putting the local merchants at a disadvantage.”
The commissioners directed staff during budget negotiations for this fiscal year’s financial plan to find ways to make government more efficient after the county used $2 million from its fund balance to balance this year’s financial document.
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