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DEC 12 `Yd <br />BOOK (5 PAGE 392 <br />Chairman Scurlock advised that the FAC wants to consider the <br />possibility of the 1 -cent sales tax, but would like the Board to <br />schedule a workshop to set the priorities of the capital projects <br />to be funded by an additional one -cent sales tax. They feel that <br />we probably would want to go for the full 15 years, and that <br />since this community has been very conservative, there would be a <br />better chance of getting this passed if we set budgets in 5 -year <br />increments with some sort of a straw ballot in the 4th year to <br />propose and readjust programs for the next 5 years. The Chairman <br />felt it would be very difficult in our day and time to look at <br />the full 15 years and be accurate. He believed the feeling is <br />very strong that in order to get this passed, we have to <br />concentrate on essential projects, such as Phase Ill of the Jail, <br />a new Courthouse, Health Building, and right-of-way acquisition. <br />The FAC feels that if they put the right package together, there <br />is a good chance of getting this passed. <br />Commissioner Bird stressed that we need to get the education <br />program going in January, and Commissioner Wheeler suggested that <br />we make a list of the various groups in the community and try to <br />get on their agendas to explain why the tax is needed. <br />Chairman Scurlock pointed out that if we choose not to go <br />with the additional 1 -cent sales tax, the only other alternative <br />to fund these projects is through ad valorem tuxes. That would <br />mean 3 mills and on a $100,000 house, with the $25,000 homestead <br />exemption, we would be talking about $300 for the next 30 years. <br />That is $300 times 30. <br />Chairman Scurlock stressed that the Commission does not have <br />the authority to pass a 1 -cent sales tax. The public has to vote <br />on it, so what we are talking about today and will be talking <br />about in future weeks is a proposal that will go to the general <br />public for their vote. All we will be doing is outlining the <br />options that are available so that the public can make an <br />intelligent decision next March. If the 1 -cent tax is added, it <br />will be the public that adds it, not this Commission. <br />47 <br />