Lenoir City council forwards 0.75%-point sales-tax referendum after presentations from Parks & Recreation and Habitat for Humanity

Lenoir City council voted to advance a proposed local sales-and-use tax increase — raising the local rate from 2.00% to 2.75% — for public consideration after presentations from the city’s Parks & Recreation department and Habitat for Humanity.

The ballot measure is framed to create a Housing and Community Preservation Fund, with Habitat identified as a primary implementing partner to deliver a four-part program of critical repairs, rebuilds, community partnerships and moderate-income supports. The council approved a motion to place the proposal on a future agenda by roll call, with the motion passing after members voted Aye.

Why it matters: presenters said the referendum would provide a recurring local revenue stream for facility maintenance and housing repairs that current grant programs do not sustain. Zach, a Parks & Recreation presenter, told council that youth sports participation has surged — citing growth rates of about 13% for flag football, 22% for spring baseball/softball and 35% for fall baseball/softball — and said the department lacks staff and…