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Cairo faces decision on new sales tax
Sales taxes are a must, for most cities that is. The small town of Cairo has been operating without a sales tax for many years.
But, that could all change come November 6th. Will residents vote for or against a one percent sales tax? "I'm for it, if it'll bring money into the community, if it'll help things out," said Donn Hickok, Cairo Resident. "I guess there's good and bad things to everything," said Jason Price, Business Owner. "Well I guess I'm not in favor of it," said Mike Lowry, Owner of Planter Paradise. On November 6th residents will make their voice count. And if passed the sales tax would generate approximately 45 to $50,000 annually. "There's a question as to what percent of business in the town comes from the towns," said Lowry. Mike Lowry owner of Planter Paradise says the tax would put his business in competition with those located in nearby towns with no sales tax. "In my business they have that option if they go someplace where they don't have to pay that one percent I'm behind 150 dollars to start with," said Lowry Some argue that the small town of Cairo doesn't offer enough business to generate the needed funds "We're in a different situation in a small town located next to a large town I feel we have a little bit of an advantage now and I'd hate to see us loose that," said Lowry. But for a town like Cairo with limited tax revenue Mayor Bill Heger says the source of revenue is the city's best option. "It could help the swimming pool we have a very old swimming pool that needs updated or rebuilt, senior center, we have a need for an assisted living program in town and the community is saying we need a quite zone," said Bill Heger, Cairo Mayor. If Cairo does not have a tax established and Hall County voters approve of a half cent sales tax, tax dollars created in Cairo will be spent in the county. "Why let the county have the money instead of Cairo itself keep the money in Cairo," said Francis Johnson, Cairo Resident. Cairo will be exempt from the county tax, if the village passes the tax first and the county second. Depending on which way the vote swings, the state would start collecting tax April of 2013 and the Village would receive funds around June. |
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