Commission signs on for ‘03 half-cent tax

In a vote that may turn out to be more of a show of support than an actual new tax approval, the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners agreed unanimously Monday to adopt a new one-half cent sales tax. The tax, which will not go into affect on July 1, 2003, will, in effect, be adopted in advance.

However, recent developments in the state budget, as proposed by the N. C. Senate, include instituting the tax on Aug. 1, 2002. That means the county coffers could see the financial impact of the tax this fiscal year. Until the House approves that move, it will not be eligible for adoption by counties. The county would have to have another vote if the Senate plan is approved by the house and agreed upon by Gov. Mike Easley, but the Senate plan does not require the county to hold another public hearing.

However, the commission opted to hear comments on the proposed tax that was being voted on or the tax that may be passed by the legislature. During Monday night's public hearing, attended entirely by school personnel and one reporter, the tax was lauded as the only choice and as a benefit for the county's children. "I'm struggling with the budget," said Alleghany County Schools Superintendent Duane Davis. "We have spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out how we can get schools open."

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