Commissioners hold press conference on tax referendum
by Scott Nicholson
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a press
conference Wednesday to address what chairman Jim Deal said was "misinformation" about the upcoming
sales-tax referendum.
Though all five commissioners were present, Deal was the only one who spoke during the press conference, which took place in a crowded boardroom.
"There has been a lot of misinformation, legitimate questions, wild rumors and outright lies," Deal said.
Deal defended the referendum as a specific vote to support recreation and read from a resolution adopted by the commissioners that pledged the proceeds from the sales-tax increase to a recreation center and a community center.
Several members of the audience were upset that Deal did not take questions or allow citizens to respond. Referendum voting is underway for early ballots, with all precincts open on Aug. 31. The referendum would increase the sales tax by a quarter of a cent and generate an estimated $1.9 million annually.
Though all five commissioners were present, Deal was the only one who spoke during the press conference, which took place in a crowded boardroom.
"There has been a lot of misinformation, legitimate questions, wild rumors and outright lies," Deal said.
Deal defended the referendum as a specific vote to support recreation and read from a resolution adopted by the commissioners that pledged the proceeds from the sales-tax increase to a recreation center and a community center.
Several members of the audience were upset that Deal did not take questions or allow citizens to respond. Referendum voting is underway for early ballots, with all precincts open on Aug. 31. The referendum would increase the sales tax by a quarter of a cent and generate an estimated $1.9 million annually.