Sampson County commissioners urge approval of sales tax referendum

Sampson County commissioners are urging voters to approve a proposed half-cent sales tax on the November 3 ballot. The referendum, made possible by state legislation, would allow the county to levy an additional 0.5% local sales and use tax.

If passed, the revenue would be restricted to public-school capital outlay and operating expenses. Commissioner Houston ‘Chip’ Crumpler III indicated that if the tax is approved, he intends to advocate for a reduction in the county’s property tax rate by approximately 1 cent during the next budget process, though he noted that any reduction would depend on future revenues and expenditures.