Agenda - 09-19-2007-6h - Laserfiche WebLink

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The NC Association of County Commissioners recommends "that counties undertake extensive public education campaigns prior to the election to inform voters about the new revenues According to information included on the NC Association of County Commissioners website (http://www.ncacc.org/revenueoptions 083107.html), as of September 4, 2007: Twenty-six counties across the state have decided to include the local revenue options question on the November 2007 ballot o Eleven counties (Brunswick, Chatham, Gates, Henderson, Hoke, Macon, Moore, Pender, Polk, Swain and Union) have decided to pursue the 0.4 percent land transfer tax option o Eleven counties (Catawba, Columbus, Cumberland, Greene, Hertford, Lenoir, Martin, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson and Surry) have decided to pursue the sales tax option o Five counties (Davie, Graham, Harnett, Johnston and Rutherford) have decided to put both options in front of voters Six counties (Caswell, Duplin, Edgecombe, Lee, Onslow and Pamlico) have announced plans to pursue one of the options in the May 2008 primary election. Commissioners directed staff during the August 30, 2007 work session to provide, at the September 19, 2007 meeting, information on tentative decision points, steps and timelines including a public education component that would be required in order to include the local revenue options referendum on the May 6, 2008 ballot. Decision Points Whether to Seek Authority for the Local Revenue Option(s) -While the Board has discussed a variety of topics related to the two new local revenue options (public education, timing, etc.), Commissioners have not made a formal decision on whether. they wish to ask for voter approval of the new revenues. Whether To Include the Local Revenue Option(s) Referendum on the May 6, 2008 Ballot - As stated earlier, the Board has discussed a number of matters regarding the newly authorized legislation and revenue options. The next scheduled election date during the current fiscal year is the May 6, 2008 primary followed by November 5, 2008 in the following fiscal year 2008-09 (there is only one scheduled election date during fiscal year 2008-09). Whether to Appoint a Community Advisory Task Force -The Board .may wish to seek input from community partners regarding which tax(es) to include on the ballot and best ways to use the revenues. The function of the advisory group would be similar to past bond education committees who provided a valuable link between the County, the community and the use of voter approved bonds. ,Q Use of New Revenues -While counties are not restricted with regard to the use of the new local revenues and the ballot language cannot stipulate uses of the new revenues, the Board may wish to state their intent to designate the proceeds from the new revenues. for specific. purposes.