Guntersville raises sales tax

GUNTERSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - The Guntersville City Council has voted unanimously to raise the sale tax.

The sales tax will go from 8 percent to 9 percent. This goes into effect on July 1.

The funds will be split evenly between Guntersville City and its school system.

Mayor Leigh Dollar said the city will be spending its portion on its park and recreation infrastructure needs immediately.

“We need a new recycling center, we need a new Fire Station 3 north of the river and also roads are never ending.”

Brett Stanton, superintendent for Guntersville City Schools, sent the following message:

"I would like to express my appreciation to the City Council for tonight’s vote in approving a 1% sales tax increase. This is a move in a very positive direction for our schools and the entire community. Therefore, on behalf of our students, as well as the faculty and staff, we are thankful for the financial support this decision will have on facility improvements within our school system.

Unfortunately, this sales tax increase will not be enough to fund a new high school. So, we will have to look at ad valorem tax in the future to address this need. Again, we are grateful for this additional funding."

Guntersville parent Leamon Yarbrough called for the sales tax to be raised to 9.5 percent, in order to fund the construction of a new high school. He said the community will need to look at other options.

“Get funding from somewhere, be it something like a tag fee or a property tax increase, which I’m not crazy about. I’m in the real estate business, but if that’s what it takes to get a new high school at this point I’ll certainly support it.”

Copyright 2019 WAFF. All rights reserved.