Local News - June 2002

Maiden endorses sales tax

By COURTNEY MARTIN, LTN Staff Writer

June 5, 2002 - MAIDEN — The Maiden Town Council passed a resolution Monday supporting a half-cent sales tax increase proposed by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners.

The resolution is important because “we don’t get our reimbursement from the government,” Mayor Zane Hudson said, referring to Gov. Mike Easely’s emergency action to hold funds normally returned to cities and counties.

Distribution of the money brought into the county by the sales tax would be based 50 percent on population and 50 percent on point of origin of the money.

Also at Monday night’s regular meeting, council unanimously to support Newton’s request for special legislation in Raleigh.

The legislation would allow Newton to annex part of a subdivision that is actually closer to Maiden.

Newton can already annex the other portion of the subdivision.

“I don’t really see any negatives,” said Town Manager Herman Caulder. Agreeing to the proposal will “strengthen our relationship with Newton.”

During an open “citizens requests and comments” section, Maiden Police Chief Kent Auton asked the council to consider an ordinance preventing people from using skateboards on the town sidewalks.

Auton cited problems of skateboarders, who are mostly teenagers, causing damage to rock walls, the bench outside City Hall and a railing. Auton said the skateboarders also apply wax to edge of the sidewalk to slide their skateboard down.

The damage so far is estimated at around $100, but Auton said he expects it to grow unless better means of enforcing the law are adopted.

Individuals can be charged for property damage, the problem is catching the culprit as the damage is committed, said Auton.

Council will look into the matter and bring it up for a public hearing in a future meeting.

Council members also discussed possible creating an area in a park for the skateboarders.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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