Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2020 08:33:17 -0500
From: Joe Gerstner
Subject: Sales Tax – Tarus Balog
Tarus Balog
“I am eager to hear why this is such a bad idea.”
It is a bad idea because some of us believe the Government is already taking too much money and not spending it wisely. Too much money goes to feel good, pet projects (e.g. the Obesity Director). When the County can find the money to move and store a statue, I don’t believe we need to raise taxes.
“Raising the sales tax to 7% would bring our county much more in line with our neighbors and shouldn’t negatively impact sales in the area.”
Just because other counties over tax doesn’t mean we need to also raise our taxes. How about Chatham county builds a retail base and becomes know as a low tax locality! This would add sales tax revenue to the coffers. If everyone else is jumping off the bridge, would you?
“Just to put it in perspective, that 0.25% increase is equivalent to a quarter for every $100 spent. I’ve seen people walk by a quarter on the ground in the Food Lion parking lot and not bother to pick it up (I am not one of those people [grin]).”
It’s a quarter here and then a quarter there and soon enough you are talking about real money. These small tax increases when combined with other small tax increases add up!
“I’m just curious as to why this is such a big deal. Seems to be low impact to individuals, high value to the county, and as far as taxes go, pretty fair.”
Fair? I believe sales taxes are considered to be regressive taxes. Plus, what is the “high value” to the county?