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A Resolution Supporting a One - Quarter Cent <br />(1/4C) County Sales and Use Tax <br />WHEREAS, the population in Cabarrus County has swelled by 35% in the past <br />decade and is now the 11 largest county in the state with 178,000 residents; and <br />WHEREAS, this population explosion has put <br />a strain on public facilities and <br />necessitated the construction of 17 new public school facilities and 18 renovations or additions to current <br />public school facilities at a total cost to taxpayers of nearly $500 million; and <br />WHEREAS, Cabarrus County must continue to meet public school needs while paying off debt related to school <br />construction projects; and <br />WHEREAS, it is important to provide Cabarrus County taxpayers with alternatives to the pressure to raise <br />property taxes to address these and other County needs; and <br />WHEREAS, the levy of an Article 46 one - quarter cent (1/4C) County Sales and Use Tax would provide a new <br />County revenue source and would generate approximately $4.6 million annually for the County; and <br />WHEREAS, revenues from the proposed % -cent sales tax would be used to pay off 500 million dollars of debt <br />for school capital improvements; and <br />WHEREAS, a sales tax is a fair tax which is equally distributed among all residents, not just property owners, as <br />well as among the approximately 4 million visitors to Cabarrus County each year; and <br />WHEREAS, the proposed % -cent sales tax would not be levied on purchases of grocery food items, gasoline, <br />and most prescription drugs; and <br />WHEREAS, if the proposed % -cent sales tax levy does not pass, then an equivalent property tax rate increase <br />of 2.2 -cents would be required; and <br />WHEREAS, it is this Board's intent for the % -cent sales tax to end in 20 years; and <br />WHEREAS, a low property tax rate is an incentive for new businesses and industries seeking to relocate in this <br />region, and also reduces economic strain felt by existing businesses and other property owners. <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners hereby supports the <br />-cent sales tax referendum and encourages citizens to vote "yes" in the special election on May 17, 2011. <br />Adopted this the 18 day of April, 2011. <br />H. Jay White, Sr., Chairman <br />Board of Commissioners <br />Attachment number 1 <br />G -5 Page 232 <br />