Walker County Commission authorizes chairman to vet NEUMO tax-collection proposal

The Walker County Commission on April 6 unanimously authorized the chairman and county counsel to review a proposal from NEUMO (formerly AVENU) to collect several local tax types on the county's behalf and to return the contract to the Commission for approval at the next meeting.

Representatives Dan Holden and Connie Taylor presented the vendor proposal, which would cover collection of sales and use, motor fuel, tobacco, alcohol, rental and lodging taxes for Walker County. Commissioners debated whether to table the item or to have the chairman pursue contract review with counsel. Commissioner Jim Borden moved that the chairman and counsel examine the contract and that the chairman be given authority to proceed if terms are acceptable; Commissioner Jeff Burrough seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

During the discussion, Commissioner Steven Aderholt characterized one parliamentary remark as “just a motion to table,” and Commissioner Borden replied, “No, I want him to pursue,” reflecting the division over how to proceed. The motion adopted gives the chairman discretion to resolve concerns raised by commissioners and return a final contract for a vote at the next meeting.

The Commission did not place any contract dollar amount on the record at the meeting. The next procedural step is the chairman’s review with county counsel; if the chairman approves contract terms, the board will consider formal approval at its next meeting.

Provenance: The NEUMO proposal was introduced and first discussed on the record at the April 6 meeting; the board voted to authorize the chairman to vet the proposal and to bring a finalized contract back for approval at the next meeting.