Land transfer tax-- let the voters decide
Commissioners agree to put the issue on the ballot during the expected state runoff election on June 24th
By: Frank Bradley Sentinel Writer

It's going on the ballot, and Clay County voters will have a chance to decide if a land transfer tax is the best method of raising funds for building a new primary school.

Current estimates are that $10 million will be needed to build the new school to accommodate current and future growth. Waiting to build the school will only mean that the cost will go up, according to School superintendent Scott Penland.

The new school would be located on property acquired from the Neal and Edith Cabe, across from the current school grounds. It would allow for sufficient space for parking, playgrounds and would include a new cafeteria to fully accommodate grades K through 3. It would also free up much needed space on current school grounds, space needed for children in grades 4 through 12.

This year, Clay County Schools acquired two mobile units needed due to its unprecedented growth. This is the first time in recent years the school had had to use temporary classrooms. Penland said the schools are going to have to purchase two or three more units for the next school year. He called it a waste to have to buy these buildings.

The Clay County School Board has unanimously agreed that a new primary school is necessary if the school system is to maintain its long-standing position of being one of the top public schools in the state.

"That's the reason a lot of families move here," one of the board members recently stated. They've seen how good our schools are and that has attracted them to our county."

Penland said he believes passing a land transfer tax would be the best way to provide funds for the building project. He said, "It won't pro- vide all the money we will need, but it can provide most of it. There is also the possibility of a reshuffling of the lottery money the state receives, which would add additional funds that could be used for the school capital fund.

If the land transfer tax is approved by Clay County voters, property being sold would have an additional tax of up to .4 of 1 percent of its sales value.

Commissioner Harry Jarrett said he is in favor of allowing the citizens a chance to vote on this. The other commissioners agreed, and the measure was approved unanimously.

In other matters, Dr. Smith and Johanna Adkinson were reappointed to the county's board of health for another term.

The board approved the release of $2,813.30 to correct incorrect tax bills.

The board approved a proposal for a one year contract with Valley Services, Inc. to run the kitchen at the new jail which would feed inmates at a cost of $11.73 per day. Currently, it is costing the county $15.50 per day per inmate.

"This is going to save the county a lot of money," Sheriff Joe Shook said.

The board heard reports that the old courthouse has been cleaned and cleared with two dumpsters of bird droppings removed. Commissioner Jarrett reported that Senator John Snow had advised him that a $25,000 grant had been approved from the Rural Center to be used to draw up architectural plans for the old courthouse. Also the board approved to pay the freight for a $7,000 recycling bin that has been purchased entirely through a grant. The freight cost could be as much as $2,500; however Commissioner Herb Cheeks suggested the county manager look into an alternative method of getting it shipped that would be cheaper.

The board briefly discussed establishing a skate board park. The question is where to put it; however the county manager said there were examining places at the veteran park. Also, they will be putting together a board to oversee the management of the skate board park once it is built.

The board approved a proposal by Emergency Medical Services presented by manager Coot Martin which will raise the reimbursement rates to offset the increased fuel and equipment cost.

Martin said the Medicare Rate has been increased, and that there was a need to raise the rate for something like 20 to 25 percent above what Medicare will actually pay for. The new rates will go into effect on July 1st of 2008.

The board heard a presentation by Silas Brown, county extension agent, regarding Farm Land preservation.

Brown said the new program known as an enhansed voluntary program is designed for landowners who are a little more committed than the program in the past. He said there would be improved funding and priority for farmers participating; however there is a 10 agreement with the land owner that is irrevocable. The purpose of the program is to help preserve agriculture land in the county. And it requires that potential buyers of property within a 1/2 mile of a farm land district be advised that they have no recourse for action that would interfere with farm land operations.

Reader Comments

Posted By Harrison Keely (5/13/2008 10:11 PM EDT):
Good article.