White County steering committee recommends using potential sales tax receipts to lower property taxes

During Steering Committee B, members debated how to frame a proposed county sales tax ahead of early voting. Committee members said voters are more likely to support a sales-tax measure if it includes a clear purpose, such as property tax relief or road paving.

One committee member summarized a projected revenue range, saying passage would bring in "somewhere between 800,000 to a million dollars" that could be placed in the county general fund. After discussion, a motion carried recommending that the budget committee lower the property tax rate using all monies received from the sales tax if it passes; members emphasized this is a recommendation and cannot legally bind the budget committee.

The motion passed by voice vote and will be presented to the budget committee and full court for further consideration. Committee members asked staff and legal counsel to prepare language for a resolution so voters will know how the funds would be used if the measure passes.