Current Poll
| Sales tax increase worth a look |
 |
 |
 |
| Opinion | |||
| Written by Aaron Cedeño | |||
| Wednesday, 18 November 2009 08:00 | |||
|
The April election may be several months away, but it’s never too early to educate oneself on the proposed quarter-cent sales tax increase. As approved by the Louisburg City Council on Monday, a formal question will appear on ballots on April 6, giving residents the option to approve – or not – a quarter-cent sales tax increase within the city. Taxes are a sensitive subject even in the best of financial times. However, the current economic climate has led to a situation where numerous local and state entities – everything from school districts to city councils – are searching for ways to shore up budgets for 2009 and beyond. The city of Louisburg is obviously no exception. Should the increase pass, projections put additional revenue in the area of $150,000 a year – or $1.5 million over the hike’s 10-year lifespan. Following Monday’s city council meeting, City Administrator Jeff Cantrell pointed out that the additional revenue could prove critical in the near future, if property values continue to decline and the city’s sales tax base continues to shrink. As outlined in the formal resolution, the projects for which the money can be used are clearly defined, dealing primarily in infrastructure improvements and the redevelopment of downtown. Many of these issues are simply not going to go away, as Cantrell noted, and the necessary funds will have to come from somewhere. With a sales tax increase, as opposed to an increase in the mill levy, at least Louisburg residents won’t have to shoulder that burden alone. Visitors and passersby will do their part to help keep Louisburg running smoothly.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email This
Hits: 729 Trackback(0)
Comments (0)
 Write comment
You must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
