Hot Sulphur Springs residents reject construction use tax
Residents of Hot Sulphur Springs had two questions about potential taxes on their ballot this Nov. 5 election. Ballot Issue 2B, a construction use tax, failed, according to unofficial results as of Wednesday morning.
“While we are disappointed that only one of the ballot measures for the Town passed, we are pleased that we will be receiving some much-needed revenue in the future to assist with infrastructure repairs and improvements that are vital to our community,” stated Hot Sulphur Springs Clerk Katie LaDrig.
Residents of Hot Sulphur Springs voted to deny a 4% tax for storing and using construction materials. Results early Wednesday morning showed 331 (81%) residents voted against the tax, with 78 (19%) in favor of the tax. The lodging tax is narrowly passing and too close to call as of Wednesday morning.
According to LaDrig, the ballot issue was created as a way to fund municipal services. If the tax had been instituted, it would have funded water and sewer infrastructure, as well as road improvements.
The ballot question included a submitted statement against the tax that said it would have placed an unfair burden on a small number of people, and it was unreasonable to seek additional revenue in the form of a construction use tax when costs have already risen significantly over recent years.
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