When the county commissioners agree to put the tax up to a Nov. 8 referendum, they agreed that the tax revenue would go to Durham Public Schools, Durham Tech and pre-kindergarten programs.

But the ballot just says, "Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes. " That wording was specified in the state legislature's act that authorized the referendum.

The vague language leaves the option open for the county to actually use the money any way it likes. The commissioners have passed a resolution to use the money as stated, but the resolution is not binding on them or on the board to be elected next year.

Some groups and citizens oppose the schools tax because there is no guarantee it will go to schools, but the measure has won support from several organizations and even, Toler said, from much of Durham's business community.

Soliciting business for a tax increase, he said, "is like asking the temperance league to support a kegger."

A campaign is under way to promote a quarter-cent sales tax for schools that Durham County voters will decide on Nov. 8.

"We have a very popular product to sell," campaign Co-chairwoman Meredythe Holmes said this morning in a meeting of County Board of Commissioners and City Council members.

The tax is proposed for Durham Public Schools, pre-kindergarten programs and scholarships for Durham residents to attend Durham Tech. However, on the ballot it is listed as a "sales and use tax" with no reference to its purpose.

"When you think of the 'local sales and use tax' think 'education,' " said campaign Co-chairman Steve Toler.

"We're going to be going out to the community ... to tell this message," Holmes said.

"We're working on the money, we're working on the yard signs, we're also working on social media and letters to the editor," said Toler.
 
"There'll be a big hole in the bucket for the durham public schools if this does not pass," said County Commissioner Ellen Reckhow, due to the end of federal stimulus grants and cuts in state appropriations for public schools.

Holmes said the tax would produce about $5 million a year for its beneficiaries.

"It's a powerful message and I hope you will get the word out really strongly," said Reckhow. "When I talk to people, everyone says this is a slam dunk [but] you can't take anything for granted."

In August, Orange County commissioners approved $40,000 in public funds to educate citizens about a quarter cent sales tax, which will come under a vote November 2. The Carrboro/Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce is actively supporting the hike, along with other private groups who would benefit from tax revenue going towards economic development in the county.

Now the county is moving along with the campaign and has hired a consultant to come up with a logo for the campaign which includes television, radio and newspaper advertising. County Manager Frank Clifton has oultined his ten-point education plan for the tax, during the county's joint meeting with the school board last night:

1. Email and telephone call lists for election notification messages.
2. Working with School Systems for contact with parents.
3. Developing handouts and public ads (via Tourism Marketing contact) that will be used as the basic message about the referendum.
4. Establishing web site connections and appropriate links.
5. Using Cable TV for basic information on the referendum.
6. Connecting with Library and Senior Citizen support groups via newsletters, etc.
7. Interacting with the Volunteer Fire Departments.
8. Developing a scheduled ad for local newspapers that will run during October reminding voters of the referendum.
9. Hand outs will be available at all county office locations.
10. A letter from myself to County Employees advocating that they vote in the referendum.

County staff is working on a draft resolution supporting the tax for the board to approve, but the Clifton said the county itself cannot take a formal position on the issue.

"Our effort has to be structured purely on an educational effort, and that's what we plan to do," he said.

The campaign may be impartial, but the board supports the tax and Clifton has said it would benefit the county financially.

"What I've tried to stress is that tax is at the benefit of everybody," he said.