Despite common sense warning and research from JLF Research staff, a quarter cent local sales tax increase passed in Robeson County last week. According to a news report, only 4.2 percent of registered voters turned out for the special election, costing taxpayers between $18,000 to $25,000. County officials denied they tried to suppress the vote by holding the single issue vote in August, promised to lower property taxes, and claimed the increase shifts the county tax burden to immigrants.
Anyway you look at it – it’s a tax increase and anybody buying anything in Robeson County will now pay more. With unemployment at 12%, this hardly seems the right time to raise taxes on Robeson County families.
Be warned – A local sales tax increase may be coming your way soon. November votes have already been scheduled in Alamance, Alleghany, Bladen, Cherokee, Clay, Columbus, Harnett, Montgomery, Orange, and Wautauga.