Minutes 08-19-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Commissioner Yuhasz said that he hopes that the task force comes back with a recommendation of the level of funding that is appropriate. 2. Discussion on Proposed Uses for the Potential One-Quarter Cent Sales Tax Revenues from a November 2, 2010 Special Advisory Referendum Concerning the Levy of a One- Quarter Cent (1/4¢) County Sales and Use Tax Frank Clifton made reference to his handout. He said that to get any approval by the public, there has to be understanding and commitment. He suggested that the timeline commitment be 10 years. His suggestion is that 50% go to schools (older buildings) and the other 50% go to economic development activities (promotion, small business loans, and infrastructure). He said that he and Brad Broadwell have talked about this and they see some of this as partnership money (Chamber, Towns, etc.). Commissioner Hemminger said that she would like to add the word "technology" for the funding of the schools. Commissioner Jacobs said that any commitment should say "no more than" because conditions can change very quickly. There has to be some flexibility. He also wants to hear what the schools have to say. He said that he does not have a strong opinion about what the money should go toward as far as the schools or economic development, and the voters do not really need to know that at this point. He said that the important issue is that `X' amount will go to `Y' function. He would rather not specify how the money will be spent before there is a plan for economic development that comes back from the professionals. He would like to see a third smaller component of community and emergency services. Commissioner Yuhasz said that he initially thought the same, but the more slices that are created, the harder it will be to identify this as something other than just another tax. He said that 10 years is a bit long for a commitment. He suggested saying 10 years with a planned review after five years. Commissioner Gordon said that the commitment should be five years. She agreed with narrowing it down to two issues. She thinks that the schools and economic development are the two most important pieces. She is not quite ready to agree on the percentages for these two items. Commissioner Hemminger agreed with a five-year commitment because it will be easier for the voters to accept. She loves economic development, but she is not sure how much the public will understand, so she would like to take 10-15% out of there for libraries or EMS. Chair Foushee said that she agrees with the five-year commitment also. She said that she has heard a lot of the public request more economic development, even in the school community. She thinks that people understand that the schools will not be funded like they should without more economic development. She also agrees with the need for improved library services and emergency services. Commissioner Yuhasz said that there is a real need for improved libraries and emergency services. He said that "community services" is very broad. He suggested that all of the money for these two things not be taken out of the economic development slice. Frank Clifton said that there are a lot of needs, but when you talk about the slice of the pie, 5% is only $115,000, so you need to look at the dollar figures. Commissioner Gordon said that she would need to know what each slice of the pie would get. She said that it is important not to over-promise. She needs more hard data about how the money could translate into accomplishments. Commissioner Jacobs said that 15% is about $350,000, or$175,000 each for libraries and emergency services.