District 3 candidates call for fiscal caution; neither pledges to drop special county tax

At a TV3 forum, County Council District 3 candidates Tim Aberclet and Jerry May discussed strategies to manage expected revenue reductions from state tax changes.

Both candidates said the local impact of Enrolled Act 1 is uncertain and will require time to unfold. Aberclet noted that changes can take years to show effects and said residents and officials will need to 'weather the storm' while trimming nonessential spending. May said he did not have immediate answers but emphasized practical experience managing tight budgets and a willingness to learn and seek solutions.

When asked whether they would consider eliminating a special county option income tax enacted in 2004 to pay courthouse bonds (the bond has been paid), both said they were not prepared to promise its removal now. Aberclet said it would be difficult to reverse and suggested exploring alternative revenue sources; May agreed, saying he could not see how the county could do away with the tax without reducing services.

On economic development, candidates said recruiting businesses and encouraging local spending would help strengthen the tax base over time. Both asked voters for support in the May 5 primary.