ELIZABETHTOWN — The Bladen County Board of Commissioners heard an update regarding the state’s proposed sales tax legislation at its regular meeting on Monday.
Bladen County Manager Greg Martin said the legislation, if adopted, would have positive financial benefits for rural communities.
“Larger, more urban counties are opposed to it because it would shift distribution of sales tax money away from point of sales, which benefits the counties with large retail centers,” said Martin.
He added that based on the proposed legislation the distribution would be about 80 percent population and 20 percent on point of sale. The current formula is based on point of sale, said Martin.
In addition to the update, the board also adopted a resolution in support of the proposed legislation.
Martin said the proposal has already passed the N.C. Senate and is now in the N.C. House. If the bill passes the House, it will then have to be signed by Gov. Pat McCrory before becoming law.
In other business:
— The board recognized Warren Holder on his retirement from the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and awarded him his badge and service weapon.
— The board heard from Transportation Engineer Phil Geary regarding the comprehensive transportation plan.
— The board received a state of the county health review from Marinanne Valentiner and Carol Strikland with the Bladen County Health Department. In a related matter, the board also received an update on the Young Families Connect program.
— The board approved the reclassification of a vacant EMT-Intermediate position to EMT-Paramedic.
— The board named Commissioner Jimmie Smith as the voting delegate for the N.C. Association of County Commissioners Annual Conference, which is scheduled for Aug. 20-23.
— The board approved a recommendation for the Health and Human Services Advisory Committee regarding a strategic plan for home health.
— A special meeting was called for noon on Monday, Aug 17, regarding a personnel matter.
—Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.