The quarter-of-a-cent sales tax hike, if approved this November by voters, will go toward “operating and capital needs” in the Macon County school system, as unanimously approved by the Macon County Board of Commissioners at its May 14 meeting.
The commissioners approved calling for the referendum last month, and this month, formally adopted the resolution and what the money would go toward.
The referendum would raise the Macon County sales tax rate from 6.75% to 7%, with the local sales tax portion going from 2% to 2.25%.
Board Chair Gary Shields, a proponent of the sales tax hike, said the 2022 vote on the same referendum failed because of lack of knowledge. In 2022, 54.85% of Macon County voters went against the quarter-of-a-cent increase, defeating the referendum by 1,466 votes.
Shields wants to market what the sales tax hike would go toward. Commissioner Paul Higdon said the board is limited in what they can do. County Manager Derek Roland said the board of commissioners can’t advocate for one side or another, just give out information on it. Shields said the Business Advisory Council is willing to market for the tax hike.
Commissioner Josh Young questioned the original wording of the resolution, asking why “capital needs” weren’t included in multiple parts where it stated “operational needs.”
Macon County Board of Education member Diedre Breeden, a commissioner liaison, said “operational needs” allow more use of the funds.
Young’s motion to approve with the addition of “capital needs” and “capital expenses” was unanimously approved.