Apr 18 2008
Durham May Vote on Food Tax
DURHAM - Advocates of a 1 percent local tax on restaurant and bar bills, which is likely to go to a referendum in November, are counting on the likes of Michelle Stanback.
Durham lawmakers agreed Thursday to submit a bill when the legislature convenes next month that would authorize putting the new tax to a vote, a burst of progress after ideological differences stalled the effort for years.
The estimated $5 million a year the tax would generate would go to projects aimed at drawing more tourists to Durham, such as a large-scale renovation of the city’s civic center.
Sounds like a plan that can make everyone happy. The Durham councilmen can get the initiative on the ballot, Luebke can stop sobbing about class warfare, and ultimately the voters of Durham can decide if this extra money is really necessary and worth it in the end.
