Macon Reporter

Jim Rule hopes to see taxpayers in Tazewell County remain as vigilant as the local lawmakers intent on digging deeper into their pockets.

“I have no idea why we’re being forced to go through this all again,” the Tazewell County GOP Chairman told Macon Reporter, referring to the second time in just five months that voters will be faced with the question of a 1-percent sales tax when they go to the polls on April 2.

Back in November, Tazewell County voters narrowly rejected the measure, marking the third time they have done so over the last decade. While supporters of the legislation argue that the additional funds are needed to maintain schools and to provide relief for already overburdened property owners, Rule thinks it will end in just more of the same.

Tazewell County GOP Chairman Jim Rule

“We don’t spend the money we’re currently collecting very wisely, and I don’t see how having more of it will change that,” he said. “Taxation is fine, but it becomes too much when the fees are too high and the money isn’t being spent right to begin with.”

After being defeated by an average of 28 points on its first two tries, the sales tax was defeated by four points (52 to 48) in November. This time around, top school officials, school board members, business leaders and even the chambers of commerce have banded together for a promotional blitz they hope will be enough to get the measure over the hump.

None of it has been enough to sway Rule.

“There just hasn’t been enough information about any of this and I’m not sure if that’s not done by design.”

Local activist Mary Burress appreciates Rule’s level of resistance.

“I understand they think they need more money but, personally, I feel we need to live within our means and not always be so quick to raise taxes,” she told Macon Reporter. “The bottom line is you can’t have everything you want, and I will definitely be voting against this.”

According to the Woodruff Times, in all, 54 of 102 counties across the state have now raised sales tax, including five of the six counties that border Tazewell.