A Cherokee County group that calls itself the Citizens Committee and is led by a tea party activist, presented a 16-point plan to the County Commission on Tuesday to cut spending and reduce the size of government.
During the commission’s afternoon work session, the leader of the nine-person group, Carolyn Cosby, encouraged the county to pursue the long-term goal of shifting revenue collection from property taxes to sales taxes.
At least one commissioner, Harry Johnston, said it’s an idea he’s considered before. “Pay through sales tax, pay through property tax, pick your poison,” Johnston said. “I think most people consider property tax the single most despised tax.”
Taxes became a sore point in Cherokee after the commission in July raised the millage rate for the first time in 15 years. Opposition has also organized against an extension to a special purpose local option sales tax for education that is on the November ballot.
The county has reduced its budget by about $9 million over the past four years as the real estate market collapsed -- values are down $1.4 billion in the past three years -- shrinking property tax revenue. The commission has also cut the county staff by 75 to save money.
Commission Chairman L.B. "Buzz" Ahrens told Cosby the commission would read the group’s plan into the record to make it official that it’s been submitted. But there is no assurance the commission will take action on any of its points.
Among them: eliminate unfunded mandates; temporarily suspend all unawarded capital projects requiring future operating and maintenance costs from the general fund; and assist the commission in determining legislative changes in state laws to reduced the cost and scope of local government.
Cosby requested that commissioners attend her committee’s twice-monthly meetings, but she got no assurances.
About the Author
