Meals Tax To Support Public Schools??

Despite the tough economic times we are facing, the Accomack County Board of Supervisors is entertaining the idea of imposing a new meals tax which would add 4% to every purchase of prepared food outside of any incorporated town. Supervisor Wanda Thornton proposed the new tax to be decided by referendum on the ballot this November. For example, if you go to the Royal Farms in Nelsonia and have a sub made, that would cost you 4% more if the referendum passes.

Thornton said at the Board of Supervisor's March meeting in Accomac Wednesday night "I think the public will support it" and suggested the language say the money should "perpetually go to schools".

Accomack County Attorney Mark Taylor weighed in saying including the word "perpetually" would make it not legally binding and future Boards could use the money raised from the tax for other reasons.

A number of Supervisors expressed concern about adding another tax on the backs of Accomack's residents. Supervisor Steve Mallette said, "My worry is this will become like the lottery it sounds good but it really doesnt help."

Supervisor Ron Wolff, a restaurateur, said this tax would be paid by locals everyday and it would hurt the economy. Such a tax on top of an sales tax at 5% would equal 9% every time somebody ordered prepared food.

Thornton responded to Wolff stating, "People already pay the 4% meals tax in incorporated towns." This new tax would target the Wal-Mart crowd and gas stations and it would be a great revenue source for the ailing public school system.

The Supervisors made no vote on the matter. There will be a petition circulating to decide whether the tax will be included on the November ballots. Approximately 2,100 signatures are needed on the petition to send the tax to referendum.


http://www.shoredailynews.com/


Why don't you try getting the parents of the "misguided" students and disruptive students to take a firmer stand on their childs actions while at school and maybe the schools will be able to work with less for a while. To add another tax upon the tax payers seems a little much. But when you decide just let us know where to leave our paychecks.