Legislators could begin considering a sales tax increase proposal for Roanoke Rapids at its next session in January, according to Mayor Emery Doughtie.

The proposal was first discussed during a city council meeting with area legislators last month as a way to pay off debt for the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.

“Sales tax is one of the most fair and equitable ways to get money for the debt,” Doughtie said today.

The money from the sales tax increase could be designated for the theater debt and once it is paid could be rescinded.

Representative Angela Bryant also offered to assemble a group of the state’s top financial strategists to study the matter and suggested using federal strategists assembled by Congressman G.K. Butterfield.