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Commission holds first reading of county sales tax ordinance to fund property‑tax relief; state lawmakers and residents weigh in
Summary
On the first reading of an ordinance to adopt a 0.5% county sales tax under Senate Bill 96, state lawmakers and residents provided public comment supporting the measure while raising questions about revenue distribution and seasonal variability; commissioners set a second reading for Aug. 25 at 09:45.
The commission conducted the first reading of an ordinance to implement the sales-tax portion of Senate Bill 96, which would authorize a 0.5% county sales tax on taxable sales beginning Jan. 1, 2027, to be used in part for property-tax relief and administrative costs such as software and staff. The ordinance text, adapted from the state model and amended to allow up to 2% of first-year collections for software and staff costs (and $20,000/year thereafter), was presented by staff for consideration and public comment.
Multiple public commenters urged approval. "As a member of the House of Representatives, I would urge you to please pass this," Representative Mary Fitzgerald said during public comment. Senator Randy Diver asked whether the county intended to collect the money before distributing it; staff said distribution details are a separate decision the county must make. A resident, Rose Burns, said the levy would shift some burden to nonresidents and urged support. The commission scheduled a second reading for Aug. 25 at 09:45 to continue consideration.
