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Columbus County amends sales tax referendum language to match state statute; board schedules ballot measure
Summary
The county board voted to amend the language of a proposed local sales tax referendum to align with North Carolina General Statute 105-537 and directed the elections board to place the quarter‑cent question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot; commissioners discussed voter education and phrasing for clarity.
The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted May 18 to amend the county's sales tax referendum resolution so its ballot language mirrors North Carolina General Statute 105-537, and asked staff to work on voter education ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026 election.
County Attorney Amanda Prince said the change "is just language that need to be changed. It changes no purpose, but the language making it appropriate." Commissioners pressed staff on how the tax would be described to voters, noting potential confusion between phrasing such as "one-quarter of a cent," "one fourth of a cent," "0.25%" or "a quarter of one cent." Commissioner Bullard said voters should be told how proceeds would be used — naming education, parks and recreation, and fire and rescue during the meeting — and urged a public information effort.
The resolution as amended requests the Columbus County Board of Elections place the question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot that asks whether a one-quarter cent local sales and use tax shall be levied in Columbus County under N.C. Gen. Stat. 105-537. The board approved the amendment by voice vote.
What the board approved was procedural: the language change ensures the referendum text conforms to state statutory requirements; it does not itself allocate revenues. Commissioners said they intend to hold outreach to explain the uses the board has discussed for any revenue generated.
The board's action was moved and seconded on the record and approved at the meeting. The county attorney said she would re-check statutory wording and return with any further adjustments.
Next steps: staff will confirm the final ballot language with the elections office and develop voter education materials ahead of the November election.
