Mayors Greer, Gerrell Make Pitch for Sales Tax Referendum to School Board Paris, Tenn.- County Mayor Brent Greer Paris City mayor Carlton Gerrell were on hand at Thursday night’s school board meeting and spoke again in favor of the sales tax referendum that will come in front of voters in March. Mayor Gerrell gave a presentation on what a half percent increase on the sales tax will do for the county which includes avoid a property tax increases, supports school systems, and targets not only Henry Countians, but also anyone from outside of the county that shops in the county. Mayor Gerrell said the loss of over $315K in revenue from beer sales has hurt the city and county thanks to neighboring communities passing beer and liquor sales laws in recent months and years. He also went over some of the cuts that have been made, the cost of technology upgrades, and more. Gerrell said the half percent sales tax increase should generate $1.8M annually. He said in order to match the money coming in to the schools over a 17 cent property tax hike would be required. Gerrell said reducing employees and services are one of the few ways to come about the revenue needed if a sales tax increase doesn’t pass. Mayor Greer said by state statute 50% of the money generated goes to our schools from a tax increase. Greer said we have a chance to bring almost $1M into our school system with this half percent increase in sales tax. He said this investment will help protect our children for years and if the education community doesn’t get behind the the referendum there is little chance of it passing. Gerrell was at the Paris Henry County Chamber of Commerce earlier in the day on Thursday, making the same presentation to the chamber board on the sales tax referendum. (Photo Credit: Tim Alsobrooks)
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 01:19:35 +0000
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