With a quarter-percent tax referendum on the April ballot, the Effingham County Legislative/Personnel Committee discussed ways to inform the public on the decision on Monday. If passed, the referendum would be added to the county sales tax which is currently at 6.5-percent. School districts in Effingham County are also asking for one-percent sales tax increase for facility updates. The county’s proposed tax would be used to free up public safety funds for other uses. Board Member Rob Arnold said that he would like to see more money put into the county’s savings due to uncertainties with state funding.
The committee also discussed an ordinance addressing the payment of cable television franchise fees for county residents who live outside of Effingham City limits. The ordinance allows Mediacom to provide cable television service in exchange for a 5-percent return the county. Last year the ordinance brought in $3170 for the county. No vote was taken as the issue was tabled for further discussion at the Tax and Finance Committee meeting set for Thursday.