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Site SearchDurham, N.C. — Durham commissioners finalized a referendum for a one-percent sales tax on prepared food Monday evening.
The proceeds from the tax will be divided between beautification and cleanup, community marketing, workforce development and civic, cultural and recreational projects, Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau President Reyn Bowman said.
The tax could raise between $5 million and $7 million a year, officials said. Supporters say the cost will be minimal to the average person, possible $18 a year.
The referendum will be placed on the Durham County ballot in November.
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Could Durham officials ever get their hands on enough money to satisfy them?
September 10, 2008 10:17 a.m.
I can say with some confidence that most of the people here work in RTP.
September 9, 2008 2:03 p.m.
That is why I don't eat in Wake County and don't attend those events. Because if they were worth their weight - you would not need tax money to fund them.
September 9, 2008 2:02 p.m.
Yes, added to the .75 that they collect for eating inside, that three cents is another whole drink.
Ya don't seem to get it - taxing anyone more causes people to spend less. With inflation out of control - guess what - some can't afford a .59 cent hamburger.
September 9, 2008 2:01 p.m.
Wake County already has a meal tax, so crossing that border won't help. That tax has helped partially pay for the RBC Center, Wake Med Soccer Park, the Cary Aquatics Center, and the new Convention Center. Meanwhile, Durham had to raise property taxes to get its performing arts center, and the old DAP is slowly falling apart. 20-30 percent of the tax will be paid by RTP workers out for lunch and out-of-county visitors to Southpoint and other shopping centers grabbing a bite to eat.
September 9, 2008 12:17 p.m.