Emergency Sales Tax Resolution Adopted

The Baldwin County Commission has two tough decisions to make. The Board of Education has asked commissioners to call for a public vote in March to decide on an emergency one-cent sales tax. School officials are also asking the county for five million dollars in emergency money....money to help offset a major budget shortfall.

"We believe that if Baldwin County is going to continue to have and enjoy the level of educational service they've had in the past, it's going to take this additional revenue," says school supt. Dr. Faron Hollinger.

Hollinger says the money is needed or the board could be forced to close schools and implement more employee layoffs. Since 2007, nearly 500 employees have lost their jobs because of the budget crisis.

We talked to Baldwin County taxpayers about the proposed sales tax.

"The school system is struggling," says Jenny Cauthen. "They don't have revenue coming in and I think it's our job to support those that our children can get the education they deserve."

"We're never happy about a sales tax increase, but I think it's for a good cause," says Jeff May. "But I'm a little concerned about mismanagement."

School officials will meet with county commissioners next week to talk about the proposal.