Governor Pat McCrory condemned a redistribution of state sales taxes proposed in the state Senate. At UNC’s University Day, McCrory said the bill must be defeated, according to a Raleigh News and Observer reporter.
The bill would change how the state distributes counties’ portion of the sales tax—it would distribute it evenly to counties based on population. Right now most of the funds go to the county where the sale happened. The change would favor rural areas that Senate leaders say need the money due to economic distress.
In urban areas, such as Charlotte, it would cost millions. City leaders say it would mean deep service cuts or higher taxes.
CMS Projects $27.6 Million Need From County
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools projects it will need $27.6 million more in county funding to maintain programs and staff levels next year. The Charlotte Observer reports CMS staff presented the figure to the school board at a budget workshop Tuesday. The projection does not include money for salary increases or new initiatives.
Legislature Questioning Law Preventing Property Improvements On Future Highway Sites
The North Carolina Legislature is considering whether to do away with a state law that prevents people from improving property to increase its value after it’s been designated as a possible route for a future highway. A state House committee yesterday approved the bill.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals last month ruled that the DOT had effectively taken private property nearly two decades ago in Forsyth County after publishing a corridor map. About a dozen states have similar laws that restrict property owners from making improvements that would increase the value of property if it’s been marked for a potential project.
3 NC Hospital Systems Plan Partnership
Three North Carolina hospital systems have announced more details in a plan to combine purchasing and standardize some medical practices. Vidant Health in Greenville, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, and WakeMed in Raleigh will operate a separate shared services company based in Raleigh called Socius. The health systems announced plans for the partnership six months ago.
Months Before Cause Of Deadly Scaffolding Collapse Known
It could be months before regulators know the cause of a deadly scaffolding collapse in Raleigh on Monday. Three construction workers were killed and another was seriously injured when a section of scaffolding they were disassembling peeled away from a high rise building. The state Department of Labor could issue fines against the companies involved if it finds any violations.
Former SC Sheriff Asks For Leniency In Sentencing
A convicted former South Carolina sheriff is asking a judge to sentence him to less than the three years recommended by federal officials because he has no criminal record, cooperated with authorities and is being treated for depression and anxiety.
An attorney for former Williamsburg County sheriff Michael Johnson filed paperwork this week asking for leniency when he is sentenced this morning. Johnson was convicted of mail fraud in September.
Prosecutors say Johnson created fake police reports so people could claim their identities were stolen to get out of credit card debt. Federal officials recommend a sentence of two and half to three years.
Gov. Haley's Veto Pen At The Ready
Governor Nikki Haley is reminding state House and Senate committees that she has her veto pen handy as they discuss their respective plans for more money for South Carolina roads. Haley sent letters Tuesday to the House and Senate telling them she would veto bills in each chamber as they stand right now because they don't provide enough tax breaks.
A House subcommittee passed its plan Tuesday to lower the gas tax while raising the sales tax on fuel to raise about $400 million for roads. The Senate Finance Committee postponed debate on a road funding plan until today.