Chatham County, NC Blogs

Much discussion continues in the House and Senate Finance Committees concerning where and how to generate the additional revenues required by State, County and Municipal governments to address our requirements of growth. Medicaid Relief, schools and inrastructure needs continue to lead the list.

There is talk of LTT being raised via the .2% Deed Stamp Tax with variations on distribution for State, County and Municipalities. If it does go this route, local voter referendums will probably not apply as all counties would have to be a player from the start. The only thing for sure at this point is that all options remain on the table.

I personally believe 1% LTT will be approved – how it will be distributed, I haven’t a clue at this point!

Our legislature will no doubt be going over the Finance Committee’s recommendations in July with a decision likely in August.

If we have to pay/collect this tax, I obviously would like it as a local voter referendum approval with the revenue to remain in Chatham to address the needs for which we seek this authority.

It’s certainly not too late to call, visit, email or write a letter stating your concerns and desires. The contact information is posted on our Chatham County website.

We need your help with this!

Representative Weiss filed House Bill 1982 (a companion Bill for Senator Atwater’s SB1516) yesterday for all counties to receive referendum authority for 1%LTT. It includes a cut by formula for municipalities with over 5,000 residents.

While we look pretty good in the House, we need help with the Senate Finance Committee. Contact info is listed on the county website. Please contact these Senators and ask your friends to do likewise. This effort needs to start immediately, as decisions are being made now.

Thank you for your help!

(note 5/15/07: I removed the sentence that was in here about the May 17th crossover deadline, because I learned it does not apply to this bill)