Sales tax increase closer to reality
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By Patrick Johnston
Published: May 9, 2008
Barbour County is one step closer to a one-cent sales tax increase.
That’s because the Alabama Senate approved a bill Thursday evening that will let county commissioners determine whether to implement the increase. If approved, the increase would generate revenue for the general fund, roads and bridges and schools.
Assuming Gov. Bob Riley signs into law the bill that allows commissioners the right to vote on the proposal, the proposed increase could be voted on by late summer to early fall. Barbour County voters will not vote on the proposal.
Most county commissioners have expressed overwhelming support for the increase, which would generate an estimated $1.9 million per year.
“Santa Claus came early,” commissioner Earl Gilmore said Friday morning. “We’re all happy it went through.”
Commissioners will not be able to vote on the proposal for at least three months, and a public hearing will be announced and required before the expected vote.
More information on the proposal will appear in the midweek edition of The Eufaula Tribune.
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( PigPen ) on May 14, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Santa Claus comes early for Mr. Gilmore.
What does that mean, that he is going to get him another mansion on the hill?
Posted by ( Another Citizen ) on May 13, 2008 at 2:24 pm
If the big land ownwers had not managed to defeat a reasonable property tax in Barbour county we would not need the additional sales tax. They’ve got the gold mine, we get the shaft.....
Posted by ( Concerned2008 ) on May 12, 2008 at 10:52 pm
You know if no one else runs for county commissioner I may put my dog on the ballot because he can make these decions better than what we have now.
Posted by ( abesbirthday ) on May 12, 2008 at 10:20 am
“Santa Claus came early,” commissioner Earl Gilmore said Friday morning. “We’re all happy it went through.”
Speak for yourself, Commisioner. How can anyone be happy with a 9% tax rate with what will amount to be one of the highest sales tax in the nation? Even New York City will be lower!
Maybe a penny by itself doesn’t sound like much, but when you add another penny to the 8 percent we’re already paying, it’s very hard for someone on a fixed income to make ends meet. To have to pay $9 in tax for every $100 spent is obscene.
And as far as “Santa Claus coming early”, commissioner, this is one present I don’t want!
Posted by ( INTERESTED ) on May 12, 2008 at 8:12 am
Taxing poor people to feed the public trough is not “Santa Claus” for the poor people.
I guess it all depends on whethehr you are the “taxee” or the “taxor”.
Consolidate the county and cities, cut taxes!
Posted by ( Fred Fudpucker ) on May 10, 2008 at 4:33 pm
This is a classic case of the democratic republic we live it. We get to elect representatives to government but then we have nothing to say about how they act on our behalf. This tax increase should be voted on by the people. THEY have to pay it! I have become convinced after 45 years of voting, the only reasonable plan is vote out the “ins” and don’t give them a chance to take advantage of us for more than one term.
Posted by ( Tarnished Angel ) on May 09, 2008 at 1:00 pm
We`ll all be drinking that free bubble up and eating rainbow stew,when the new sales tax comes through. What perfect timing at the most prosperous time in history, for Barbour County.Absolute brilliance of our commissioners.