Option for a new half-cent sales tax approved by county

The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an option that would allow county sales taxes to be increased by a half cent during the joint meeting of the county and Sparta Town Council on Aug. 29. Not present at the meeting, which was held at the county office building in Sparta, were councilwomen Agnes Joines and Lois Sheets and commissioner Graylen Blevins.

Commissioner Ken Richardson said the option to raise county taxes was a topic of discussion at a statewide meeting of the Association of County Commissioners, which he and Commission J. Warren Taylor attended recently.

“The talk there is General Assembly is going to give one option to let each county vote on whether or not they want to generate additional revenue; in this particular case, another additional half-a-cent sales tax,” Richardson said. “A number of counties have already had their name added to that list. That was the topic that was most talked about, other than the lottery.”

Commissioner Eldon Edwards asked, “So we have to make them aware that we want to be added to the list?”

Richardson responded, “That would be the only way,” he said. “This was just a point of discussion...”

Commissioner Edwards asked, “Nothing more than half-a-cent sales tax? No other menu items at all.”

Richardson stated that was the only item from the committee that was in the form of a bill.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon asked, “If we add our county name to that bill, does that automatically mean that we are saying we are going to increase it, or does it simply open the door for us to do so...whenever we choose?”

Commissioner Edwards explained to Herndon the action would give the county no obligation. “It is just gives us an opportunity to look at it (the bill) to see if we would be in need of generating additional revenue,” Edwards said.

Herndon then stated she was “a very strong advocate for keeping all the options open.”

Sparta Mayor John Miller asked if the bill said anything about the towns.

“I’m sure it does,” Richardson responded. “I did not read that particular (portion).”

Town manager Bryan Edwards said, “I believe that if the county passes it, that the town would be included.”

Taylor added, “Whatever action we take tonight does not mean we are for it or against it. It’s just an option.”

Commissioner Edwards then reiterated, “It does not mandate anything.” The commissioners unanimously passed the motion to put the county’s name on the list.

DSS

Director Sandy Ashley of the Alleghany County Department of Social Services spoke with the board of commissioners to address the need for an additional social worker. The matter was discussed at the joint meeting due to a deadline that would need to be met prior to the next commissioner meeting.

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