BC 1997 12 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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436 transfer tax would affect both newcomers and young residents trying to find affordable housing. Mr. Scarbrough addressed the issue of the recruitment of new industries and the need for housing for their employees. He suggested that the sales tax from the new mall may be enough to fund school needs and supported the consolidation of the school systems, the one cent local sales tax or other broad based taxes. Finally, Mr. Scarbrough questioned the legality of the referendum legislation and asked that the Board wait until August or September to allow time for the approval of new legislation. Chairman Casper stated that Commissioner Mills had requested to step down as a commissioner and speak as a citizen since he owns property in Cabarrus County. Commissioner Mills addressed comments by Mr. Dover concerning information that had been distributed by the Realtors Association. He advised that the real property transfer tax will be paid by the purchaser, not the seller. Commissioner Mills strongly supported a vote by the people on the issue. Mr. Bob Landers, Chairman of the Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber's support and endorsement of a referendum for an additional one cent sales tax and one percent local real property transfer tax. He stressed the importance of adequately funding school needs to ensure the success of the children. Mr. Steve Sabol of Weddington Road, Concord, supported the proposed sales tax and real property transfer fee as opposed to increased property taxes. He stated the County should also pursue non-revenue options to slow growth. Mr. Tim Drye, speaking on behalf of the Eastern Cabarrus Citizens Organization, spoke in support of placing both issues on the ballot. He opposed property tax increases and pointed out that 1998 is revaluation year in Cabarrus County. To clarify earlier comments, Mr. Hartsell advised that the proposed ballot issue for Cabarrus County specifies that the purchaser of property will pay the real property transfer tax. Ms. Marilyn Barnhardt of 5800 Wabash Lane, Concord, urged the Board to put the issues on the ballot for the voters to decide. She stated in her opinion the developers are greedy and should give back to the community for the schools. Mr. John A. Hammett, Jr. of 277 Ikerd Drive, Concord, urged caution in introducing any kind of new tax. However, he supported letting the voters decide the issue. Further, he suggested that the County look to growth and sales tax for necessary funding and be conservative with expenses each year. Mr. Lester Drye of 6700 Zion Church Road, Concord, encouraged the Board to allow the voters to vote on the issues and urged relief on property taxes. Mr. James H. Mann of 4500 Old Salisbury/Concord Road, Concord, opposed the two proposed taxes. He stated in his opinion the County does not need this additional tax as growth in the County could provide needed funding. Mr. Mark Ellis of 1419 Chadmore Lane, Concord, supported the proposed referenda for local sales tax and real property transfer tax. He stated that good schools and low taxes are necessary to attract the people needed to provide good health care in the community. Mr. Robert M. Webb of 11735 Jim Sossamon Road, Midland opposed any additional taxes and complained of recent property tax increases. He stated he has no children and in his opinion it is not fair for him to pay additional taxes to fund the schools. Ms. Grace Mynatt, Chairperson of the Cabarrus Board of Education, addressed the facility and technology needs of the schools, including new schools to accommodate the 700+ new students each year. Ms. Mynatt outlined the following two options to meet those needs: (1) Approval of the referenda for the sales tax and real property transfer tax; or (2) Consideration of year round schools and redistricting as a short-term options if the proposals are rejected. She urged the Board to let the voters determine the issue and work together for a solution. Mr. David Cook yielded his time to Ms. Mynatt.