Macon County to place quarter‑cent sales‑tax referendum on 2026 general‑election ballot, board leaves purpose unspecified
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Summary
The board voted 5–0 to approve placing a quarter‑cent local option sales tax on the 2026 general‑election ballot and chose not to earmark the funds at this time; staff estimated the tax could generate about $2.3 million annually based on 2024 figures.
Macon County commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 13 to place a proposed quarter‑cent local option sales tax on the Nov. 2026 general‑election ballot and to leave the use of proceeds unspecified for now.
Why it matters: County staff said a quarter‑cent local option sales tax had been studied previously and that a 2024 estimate projected roughly $2.3 million in new annual revenue. If approved by voters, the tax would not apply to groceries or gasoline. Commissioners debated whether to specify an earmark for the funds (schools, senior services, capital projects) but concluded it was preferable to leave the ballot language without a dedicated purpose and address allocation in the budget process or a future board action.
Board action: Commissioner Sherrill moved and Commissioner Shields seconded a motion to place the referendum on the general‑election ballot with no earmark; the motion passed 5–0.
Community response in public comment: During public comment earlier in the meeting, resident Betsy Beist offered campaign assistance and urged the board to pursue the measure, saying she would “do whatever it takes to help you guys pass that.”
Next steps: Staff will prepare the ballot language, consider timelines for Board of Elections publication and any required notices, and return to the board for implementation steps tied to the county’s election calendar.
What to watch: Whether the board later elects to identify a specific use of proceeds before the election, and the results of voter outreach and education efforts.
