Alamance commissioners discuss quarter‑cent sales tax, staff reports sales tax uptick

Residents and commissioners spent substantial time on the idea of placing a quarter‑cent sales and use tax before voters and on how the county spends revenue.

Stuart Smith told the board he researched the quarter‑cent and said it would generate "about 7 and a half million dollars," and that a Department of Revenue director told him successful counties generally offered a tangible designation for the funds, most often schools. "Why have Alamance County voters rejected this 4 times in the past?" he asked.

Finance staff reported that collections for May 2026 were up 9.32% from May 2025 and that year‑to‑date collections showed a 6.89% increase compared with May 2025 year‑to‑date. Staff emphasized month‑to‑month volatility due to factors such as student arrivals and holiday spending and noted the county remains roughly $500,000 below a pro‑rated budget target when comparing month‑by‑month patterns.

Commissioners debated whether the revenue should be narrowly earmarked (one commissioner suggested dedicating proceeds to schools) and discussed the political and fiscal tradeoffs of sales tax versus property tax. Commissioner Priole said, "The problem isn't that we are taxed too much. The problem is that we spend too much," and said he opposes tax increases while urging expenditure restraint.

The board did not vote to place the quarter‑cent tax on the ballot nor to take a new position on zoning at this meeting; commissioners said staff would provide additional data and that future discussions could follow.