Chatham commissioners invite residents to educational meetings on proposed land transfer tax

Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007

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Chatham County, NC - The Chatham County Board of Commissioners asks residents to be informed voters on the proposed 0.4% land transfer tax, which is slated for a vote on the upcoming Nov. 6 ballot. To provide citizens with educational materials and opportunities for questions, the Board has schedule five community meetings around the county:

Thursday, Sept. 20: North Chatham School, 3380 Lystra Road, located in northeastern Chatham County, 7 pm. Directions: The school is located on Lystra Road about one-half mile from where it meets Jack Bennett Road.

Thursday, Sept. 27: Western Senior Center, 112 Village Lake Road, Siler City, 7pm. Directions: From US 64 Business in Siler City, take 421 Business (Greensboro Ave.) north. Look for sign to Business Park

Thursday, Oct. 4: Chatham Central High School Auditorium, 14950 NC Highway 902 West, in Bear Creek (southwest Chatham), 7 pm. Directions: Take NC 902 West from Pittsboro and cross over US 421. Go about two miles to the school on the right.

Thursday, Oct. 11: Liberty Chapel United Church of Christ (sanctuary), Old US 1, Moncure, 7 pm. Directions: Pittsboro-Moncure Road deadends at Old US 1 in Moncure. Turn left on Old US 1 and go about one mile to the church.

Thursday, Oct. 18: Eastern Chatham Senior Center, 365 Highway 87 North, Pittsboro, 7 pm. Directions: From the courthouse circle in Pittsboro, head west on US 64 Business (also West St.). At the first stoplight, take a right on Graham Road (NC Hwy. 87 North) and go about one-third mile. The senior center will be on your left.

If approved by county voters on Nov. 6, the 0.4% land transfer tax would provide an alternative revenue source to fund county facilities, including schools. The proposed tax is a one-time assessment on real estate property sales. The Board of Commissioners has voted to reduce the current county School Impact Fee from $2.900 to $1,900 if the land transfer tax is approved.

With the reduced School Impact Fee, the net gain in county revenues would be $2.5 million in 2008-09, which is the same as a 3.4-cent property tax increase.

“It is so important for residents to get the facts about the proposed land transfer tax before they vote,” said Chairman Carl Thompson. “Voters have a voice in how county facilities, especially schools, will be funded, so they need a chance to learn as much as they can about the proposed tax versus other options. People will also have a chance to ask questions or voice concerns.”

The meetings are expected to last at least an hour, but may last longer depending on attendance and how many questions attendees have.