BC 1997 12 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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437 Ms. Anita Rhodes, real estate broker and lobbyist, stated that she and other Realtors are working to protect the rights of private property ownership. She expressed concern about a transfer fee, stating it is a narrow based tax that will affect only a small segment of the community. Dr. Harold Wtnkler, Cabarrus County Schools Superintendent, discussed the continuing growth in the schools and school facility needs. He supported the proposed sales tax and land transfer tax, stating it is to everyone's benefit to have an excellent school system in Cabarrus County. Mr. Jim Sharp of 305 South Union Street, Concord, favored putting the proposed issues on the ballot. Mr. Roy Scott of 309 Dakota Street, Kannapolis, stated he was not opposed to a sales tax increase, impact fees or transfer fees but did oppose taxes without reason. However, he supported funding for the schools. Ms. Madeline Aufseeser of 10263 Hastings Place, Harrisburg, stated the proposed land transfer tax is unfair as it will target only a small portion of the population. She complained that schools are the only service she and others living in subdivisions receive from their County tax dollars. Mr. Tim Satterfield proposed a tax on new construction, including residential, commercial and retail. He supported the referendum and urged the School Board to get back to the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. Ms. Caroline Garmon of 709 Propston Street, Concord, supported the proposed sales tax but opposed the real property transfer tax. She suggested other options such as taxes on entertainment, gasoline and alcohol. Mr. David Drye, developer, opposed any new taxes, stating in his opinion taxes are a form of enslavement. Mr. John Patten of 1509 Candlewyck, Kannapolis, favored putting the issues on the ballot and stated his support for both issues. However, he encouraged the County to look at the merits of other school funding options that were identified by Alternative Revenue Sources Task Force. Mr. Buck Wicklund of 1290 Braeburn Road, NW, Concord, stated the need for more schools funding but questioned the fairness of a land transfer tax. Mr. Jimmy Sturdivant of 428 Autumn Drive, Harrisburg, opposed any new taxes, stating they would be an ~introductory" offer. He suggested that the County change its spending practices to provide school funding. Mr. Amos McClorey stated he lives on a dirt road on commercial property in Kannapolis. He supported funding for the schools but objected to tearing down existing buildings and constructing new ones. Mrs. Vernice Morgan yielded her time to Mr. McClorey. Mr. Hamp Brown of 548 S. Little Texas Road, Kannapolis complained that he had been informed he would have to give 30 feet of his property for the widening of the road to the new school being built on Little Texas Road. Board members responded to questions regarding the impact on future funding by the County if the new taxes are approved, the availability of the Schools budget to the public and County funding of human services. There was no one else present who wished to address the Board, and Chairman Casper closed the public hearing at 9:10 P.M. Local Sales and Use Tax Referendum Resolution Commissioner Mills made a motion to hold a referendum on February 24 for the additional one cent sales tax. Mr. Hartsell listed the dates that should be inserted in the blanks of the proposed resolutions based upon a referendum date of February 24, 1998. The Board accepted those dates.