• 57°
franklin county times

County urges citizens to renew sales tax

Every two years, the citizens of Franklin County decide whether to renew their efforts to provide additional funding for county road projects and city and county schools – to the tune of a 1-cent sales tax.

The time has come for citizens to again vote to renew this 1-cent sales tax, which has been approved every two years since 2010.

“This is a win-win,” said Probate Judge Barry Moore. “It’s just renewing the additional 1 cent sales tax we have.”

Of the tax, 75 percent of the funds go to the schools systems. The remaining 25 percent goes to the county commission for matching funds for ATRIP road projects.

“We couldn’t continue on repairing the roads we have through the ATRIP projects (without these funds),” Moore said.

A yes vote in March will renew the 1-cent tax for another two years.

“With the renewal of this tax, we can complete the $12 million-plus ATRIP projects on bridges and major collector roads in the county,” explained Commissioner Rayburn Massey. “Without the voters approving this tax, those projects could not have been done because neither the highway department nor the general fund had revenue – about $2.4 million – in matching funds to receive the $12 million-plus from the state and federal government.”

The percentage of people voting in favor of the sales tax – which originally only went to the schools – has increased with every vote since 2010. In 2014, which was the first year 25 percent of the 1-cent tax was earmarked for the county, 2,777 people voted in favor – 78 percent – to only 764 against.

“The commission appreciates the vote and trust of the voters to make this possible,” Massey said. “We hope it’s approved again to where we can take advantage of the total $12 million that was awarded.”

“It has increased every year, and so I hope the people who vote on it will continue to pass this because its benefits the school system and the citizens,” Moore added. “We appreciate the superintendents being supportive of it.”

The vote on the ballot reads:

Relating to Franklin County, to authorize the Franklin County Commission to allocate one-fourth of the proceeds from the existing one cent sales tax for public schools in Franklin County for the purpose of matching funds for the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program in Franklin County, provided the allocation shall be for a term of two years and may be extended for two-year terms only if approved by a majority of voters in Franklin County in subsequent elections. (Pursuant to Amendment 881).

Voters are urged to vote yes to renew the 1-cent tax.

 

Belgreen

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

News

PHOTOS: West Elementary enjoys color run

Lifestyles

Strawberry farm offers fun u-pick fun

News

PHOTOS: RHS Class of 2023 seniors graduate

Belgreen

PHOTOS: Tharptown, Phil Campbell, Belgreen, Vina, Red Bay seniors graduate

Franklin County

Charles Parrish: Superintendent’s love for school system sees stadium named in his honor

High School Sports

Kiel helps obtain funds for TES bleachers 

News

Area residents among those on ICC honors lists

Franklin County

FC chooses new assistant county engineer 

News

Red Bay’s Weatherford Library gears up for summer reading program

News

NW-SCC students to showcase their art at Tennessee Valley Museum of Art

Franklin County

Tharptown High School rocketry team blasts into second place in nation

News

Vina High School holds Spring Spectacular 

News

RES fifth grade chorus presents “RES Goes Country” 

News

Addie’s Flip Tip and Tap holds 18th annual dance recital

Franklin County

Chucky Mullins: Football legend makes lasting impact

Franklin County

ACA awards foundation scholarship

Franklin County

FCS provides Seamless Summer meal programs

Franklin County

Commission announces voting location changes

News

RPL gears up for summer reading program, other events

News

Russellville benefits from governor’s public safety grant awards

News

Ivey announces grant to upgrade Russellville sewage plant

News

Russellville Electric Board receives risk management award

News

RHS Musical Theatre students perform spring sing

x