Residents sound off about proposed sales tax increase

An informal, random poll of local residents reveals they appear willing to support a sales tax increase if it means more jobs.

Those polled seemed especially enthusiastic about the prospect that such an increase could land a railcar industry looking to build a plant that would employ 1,500 workers.

"If it will do what they say it will do, it doesn't bother me," said Muscle Shoals resident Susan Brown. "We need more industry, desperately."

Economic development officials have proposed a general sales tax increase of up to one-half cent per dollar in Colbert and Lauderdale counties.

The money would go in a fund that could only be used for economic development.

Lauderdale and Colbert commissioners have been asked to present the proposal to the local legislative delegation. Local legislators then would present it as a bill to the Legislature during this year's session.

Legislators also would present a bill changing the makeup of the Shoals Economic Development Authority Board. The 24-member board would be reduced to 12 members, including eight local elected officials who would be accountable for the fund.

Angel Malone, of Muscle Shoals, typically opposes tax increases.

"It would be more money out of my pocket," Malone said. "If there is no guarantee that we'll get the jobs here, why increase the tax?"

Still, Malone adds, if an increase would bring with it the guarantee that the railcar prospect would locate in the Shoals, she'd favor it.

Phillip Allen, of Sheffield, said he considers sales taxes regressive. "Actually, I'm opposed to sales tax period."

He does like the idea of using sales tax revenue to entice companies to the Shoals.

"As far as using it for that, it's a good thing," Allen said.

Florence resident Tim Ray wants to see the area continue its momentum. Industries such as SCA Tissue, North American Lighting and a Walgreens call center have located in the area in recent years.

"I'm all for the tax," Ray said. "We need to do all we can to bring in industry. We're on a roll, and I don't want to see that stop."

Ray said increasing taxes, with that money going toward industrial incentives, would send a good message to prospects. "It'll show that we are serious about recruiting industry."

Shannon Byrd, of Florence, recalled the recent 2-cents-per-gallon gas tax increase that went toward economic development projects.

That was part of a local $20 million pledge, coupled with funds from the Retirement Systems of Alabama, that produced such amenities as two Robert Trent Jones golf courses and an upscale hotel.

"We already forked out $20 million for the hotel, and that's worked out well," Byrd said.

Byrd said economic incentives are the way the game is played these days.

"You've got to offer them money to get them," Byrd said. "That's just the way it is. Unless you've got a diverse work force, this might be our only other option."

DeaLynn Lowery, a Sheffield homemaker, said she wants the decision-making process regarding the proposed tax increase to be as open as possible.

"If they're going to ask Colbert and Lauderdale (residents) to vote for this tax, I think they need to make us better informed to make a decision," Lowery said. "If Colbert and Lauderdale and SEDA want us to be supportive of a tax increase and approve a tax increase -- bring it out in the open, inform the-public."

She said that includes revealing the name of the industry. "I find that there is very little information and what information there is, is very vague."

Killen resident Brian Crown said his main concern is whether the funds actually will go toward area industry.

He said he doesn't want the money to go toward payroll, but "for the actual program that will improve roads and infrastructure to make it much more likely that we'll pull in business."

Crown also believes consolidation could help.

"That's holding us back," he said. "I think for the size of this area, that's a lot of small governments to have. We'd be better to pool our resources."

Others cringe at the notion of a sales tax increase.

"My thinking on it is they keep on taxing us and nothing gets done," said Tommy Davis, of Sheffield.

If the tax money collected by the proposed sales tax increase were used to attract industry, Davis would be for it.

"If we had an industrial base with more people working, the money taken out of their paychecks would be enough without raising everybody else's taxes," Tuscumbia resident Jimmy Johnson said.

"Raising taxes for business incentives is kind of strange," he said.

Generally speaking, Christy Taylor is leery about raising sales tax, with one exception.

"I don't like any tax increase unless it goes to the schools," the Muscle Shoals resident said.

She adds, however, that this could be an exception, if the funds would secure a plant that produces 1,500 jobs. "I would support that," Taylor said.

James Borden says sales tax increases have value, if they succeed in accomplishing their goal. The question Borden has, however, is, "Will it work?"

He said if the increase produces funds that secures industry, that could convince him to favor the tax.

"But after so many years, if it doesn't make a difference, I want my money back," he said.

Tonis Woods, of Central Heights, supports the proposed tax. Woods adds, however, "If it's going to be something that goes to the fat cats and makes the rich richer and the poor poorer, I'm not for it."

Tuscumbia resident Pat Richardson believes a sales tax increase would be fairer than a property tax increase.

"I don't have a problem with it, as long as the money is put to good use," Richardson said. "I don't like to see the money wasted.

"Most of our children, when they get out of school, are having to move off to get jobs. We need more industry than golf courses."

Cherokee resident Larry Williams agrees the tax should be toward local employment.

"That's what we need, higher paying jobs," Williams said. "I really think sales tax is the fairest way to go. Everyone is involved and helping to pay."

Casey Eggleston, of Florence, agrees.

"I would support anything to help the economy," Eggleston said. "I support economic development, especially on this side of the river."

Muscle Shoals resident Katherine Kilburn said the area is doing OK, but is capable of bringing in more industry. "I don't think people know all there is to do in this area."

Muscle Shoals resident Kathy Neal also supports the increase. "I would hope that if the government leaders feel like it's the best thing, it will help get more jobs in."

Kelly Goodwin, of Florence, has no problem with the tax. "I do support more jobs and more development."

Staff Writer Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5729.

TimesDaily staff writers contributed to this report.