By MIKE KRAFCIK
6 News Reporter
JACKSBORO (WATE) - Officials in Campbell County are proposing a half-percent sales tax increase to raise the rate to 9.75% from 9.25% to help with the rising cost of road maintenance.
"We're in the same boat that every other county in the state of Tennessee is," said Campbell County Mayor William Baird.
Many roads in Campbell County are in bad shape and the road department doesn't have the money to fix them. The county hopes it can fund new pavement for several roads and repairs for others in the county. Baird said the money is needed to offset the rising cost of liquid asphalt, which costs five times more per ton than it did just 8 years ago.
"We've got to have the revenue to purchase the asphalt, it's just that simple," said Baird.
Mayor Baird says the hike could generate close to $900,000 in revenue for the County's road department and increase the rate at which the roads are paved. With a higher sales tax rate, the paving schedule would be on a 20 year cycle. Right now, it would take 80 years to pave all county roads.
While many residents may not like paying higher taxes, one resident said he'd be okay with a hike.
"I think it's good if our taxes go to roads and to help the community," said county resident Denny Ellison.
The county commission voted to place the referendum on the March ballot, the same election as the Republican primaries. A simple majority from Campbell County residents are needed in order for the tax increase to pass.
