Voters get final say in sales tax debate

White County commissioners approved placing a sales tax increase on the May ballots, giving residents the chance to have their voices heard. The approved referendum will have a sales tax increase of .50 percent increase placed on both the Republican and Democrat primary ballots. 

The resolution presented called for the county sales tax to be raised from 2.25 percent to 2.275 percent, making it equal to that of the city of Sparta. Those amounts are added to the state’s seven percent, making a total of 9.75 percent if passed. 

“Did we ever figure out what we are going to do with this money once it comes in,” commissioner Chris Brewington asked. 

“I would like to have a work session to lay out how we are going to spend – or not spend – the money,” Derrick Hutchings, the commission chairperson, said that he felt it was important for the county to have the financial plans put in writing before asking constituents to vote on the issue. 

“I would like to have seen it done before tonight,” Brewington told him, stating that he had doubts about the situation. “If we’re going to get more tax money in here, it can’t keep going to the same fund it always goes to, the general fund. We keep doing the same old thing. I feel like we should have already had a work session before tonight if we are going to vote on it.” 

Hutchings said that a work session had been planned, but that due to scheduling conflicts only a small number of commissioners attended.  

“The only thing I can say is that if we pass it tonight, and it’s not going to be voted on until May, then we have time to be able to commit to what we are going to do with the funds. If we don’t, then the citizens are most likely not going to vote it in anyway,” Hutchings continued. “I don’t see a lot of harm in passing this tonight and then see how we are gong to allocate the funds in February.” 

T.K. Austin, a commissioner from District 2, reminded eveyone present that the majority of money is spent inside city limits, meaning that the county is losing money already being collected.  

“You’re already paying the 9.75 (percent). If we vote this in, it will not increase any more than 9.75. All it means is that we will get half of that half a percent instead of giving it all to the city,” he explained. 

Hutchings insisted that it be understood that the tax rate will be raised for any shopping done outside of Sparta city limits. 

“It will raise in the county, yes, if you shop at one of these DG’s or convenience stores,” Austin agreed and then clarified exactly what that meant in the terms of money spent. “If you spend $5000 at one of these places, it’s going to be like $5025. It will be a $25 increase, if you spend out in the county. It won’t do anything in the city, other than we get a part of it. You’re already paying it.” 

“Tonight’s vote is solely to give the public the option to vote yes or no,” Dakota White clarified that the action the commission was taking was not changing the tax rate but instead giving that power to Whtie County residents. “That’s what I like about it. We’re all dependent on democracy, so here we go.” 

Cain Rogers reminded the commissioners that most constituents in Districts 1 and 2 would not be eligible to vote on the issue, reminding them to be clear when talking to the public.  

“City residents cannot vote on this,” he said, while agreeing that the reasoning was because county residents were not able to vote on the issue when it was presented, and passed, in the city several years ago. 

All commissioners present at the January 20 meeting voted in favor of putting the Referendum on the May ballots. Those commissioners not present were Jordan Cocke, David Cranford, Thomas Margeson, and Roger Mason.