Board of Commissioners Meeting - Sales Tax Referendum

The Sampson County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on August 3, 2026, to discuss and approve a resolution to place a sales tax referendum on the November 2026 ballot. The proposed referendum seeks voter approval to levy an additional 1/2% local sales and use tax specifically dedicated to funding public education needs, including capital outlay projects and retiring existing school debt. The new tax authority stems from a 2026 North Carolina Appropriations Act that uniquely applies to Sampson County. The Board unanimously passed the resolution directing the Board of Elections to conduct the advisory referendum and committed to public education efforts about the measure. The tax increase would raise the county sales tax from 7% to 7.5%, with revenues prioritized for K-12 school infrastructure and operating expenses. The meeting highlighted the legislative efforts of Senator Brent Jackson in enabling this funding option and emphasized the importance of voter support to address the county's growing educational financial needs.