Commission Votes to Send Sales‑Tax Referendum to Primary Ballot; Debate Centers on Allocation

Steering Committee B debated whether to send a proposed sales‑tax referendum to the primary ballot. Commissioners discussed multiple allocation scenarios — including property‑tax relief, fire services, and capital projects such as animal shelter improvements — and acknowledged that state maintenance‑of‑effort rules require a portion of sales tax revenue to go to schools.

Several commissioners stressed the need for public education before the vote. One commissioner said a primary placement would give the county clarity for budget planning if voters approved the measure; another expressed skepticism that it could pass in a primary without additional outreach. A number of residents at the meeting urged clear explanations to voters about the effect on county households and how funds would be allocated.

Following discussion, a motion to place the sales‑tax referendum on the primary ballot passed on a roll call vote: 4 yes, 3 no. The committee will forward the resolution to full court; commissioners said they will continue to refine allocation priorities and public outreach plans in advance of the ballot.

The committee did not finalize allocation percentages at the meeting. Staff noted that any sales‑tax revenue estimate must account for statutory requirements (including that a percentage of proceeds be directed to the school system under maintenance‑of‑effort rules) and that a subsequent resolution sent to full court should specify how funds would be used.