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Washington County calls advisory referendum on one‑quarter percent sales tax for March 5, 2024
Summary
The Board approved calling a special advisory referendum under state law to ask voters whether to levy a one‑quarter percent local option sales and use tax; commissioners agreed to lead public education and the county will return with a budget transfer to fund outreach.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 5 to call a special advisory referendum on whether to levy a one‑quarter percent local option sales and use tax. The referendum was scheduled in the motion to be held March 5, 2024, under state statute N.C.G.S. 105‑537.
County Manager Curtis Potter said staff would return with a budget transfer to fund public education about the proposal. Commissioner Ann C. Keyes urged approval to help curtail future tax increases and said commissioners must educate residents on how a sales tax differs from property taxes. Commissioner Carol V. Phelps noted that nonresidents who shop in the county would also pay the sales tax; Commissioners Keyes, Phelps and John C. Spruill volunteered to assist with district education efforts.
The board approved the resolution calling the advisory referendum by unanimous vote. Staff will prepare outreach materials and a budget transfer to cover public‑education costs before the referendum.
