2008 Durham County Prepared Food Tax Referendum

Please e-mail any comments or questions to 2008_Bond@durhamcountync.gov

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What is the purpose of the November 4th Prepared Food Tax Referendum?

Through the referendum, voters will decide whether the County may levy a 1% tax on prepared meals from restaurants, banquets, catering etc., to finance the construction and upkeep of select capital projects throughout Durham.  The projects include cultural and recreational facilities and trails.  Proceeds will also assist with community cleanups, workforce/job training, and destination marketing.  These projects will enhance the quality of life for our residents by maintaining Durham’s rich culture and heritage, creating jobs, preparing our citizens for new careers, expanding recreation and wellness opportunities, and beautifying the community.

Why Use A Prepared Food Tax to Finance These Improvements?

This 1 percent tax on prepared meals provides an opportunity for visitors to help share the expense in developing and maintaining Durham’s cultural and recreational attractions.  Approximately 40% of the revenue generated from this tax is expected to come from visitors, including those who work in Durham but do not live here.

How exactly will the money from the prepared food tax be used?

80% for civic and cultural projects, including recreation and trails 10 % to market Durham and its amenities 5 % for community clean up 5% for workforce training The additional revenue will: Relieve pressure on city and county property taxes Provide resources for maintenance of existing facilities and new projects Expand workforce development programs Enhance community cleanup Expand destination marketing

What capital projects will be funded?

1) Cultural Facilities $22,500,000 Hayti Heritage Center, Civic Center, Carolina Theatre, Durham Arts Council, and Durham Armory. 2) Museums $23,800,000 Museum of Life and Science, Parrish Street Museum without Walls, Minor League Baseball  Fan Experience and National Museum, History Museum and Parrish Street Common Room. 3) Recreation and Trails $12,850,000 Durham County Stadium, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, American Tobacco Trail, West Point on the Eno Park and Environmental Education Center, Pearsontown Trail, New Hope Preserve/Hollow Rock Park, Little River Corridor, New Hope Trail, Third Fork Creek Trail, West Ellerbee Creek Trail, and Durham Central Park East.

How will proceeds be used for community cleanup, workforce training and community marketing?

Greater attention will be placed on making Durham more attractive to residents and visitors through more litter removal and additional roadside maintenance and landscape enhancement. Workforce development initiatives would include: LIST A partnership with Durham Public Schools that will focus on customer service and provide training for persons interested in hospitality and culinary careers. LIST Training labs will be established at North Carolina Central University and Durham Technical Community College. This revenue will also allow the Durham Convention and Visitor's Bureau to expand its marketing to encourage more visitors to come to Durham, improving the local economy and tax base.

As a citizen of Durham, what does the prepared food tax mean for my household budget?

The amount of dining out varies from family to family, but the 1% meals tax equates to a penny for each dollar spent on a prepared meal. Economists have estimated that the average household will spend about $1.74 per month or $20 per year.

Do other communities in North Carolina have a prepared food tax to fund projects and attract visitors?

Yes. Our neighbor to the east Wake County (Raleigh), our neighbor to the west Hillsborough, Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), Cumberland County (Fayetteville), and Dare County have a prepared food tax. They have used their meal tax revenues to construct convention centers, stadiums, museums, soccer complexes, and many other civic improvements.

How Can I Play a Part in Deciding Whether the Prepared Food Tax Referendum Should Be Approved?

Vote on November 4, 2008. On the back of your ballot, the last item will have the prepared food tax question: [ ] For [ ] Against One percent (1%) local prepared food tax, in additional to the local sales and use taxes.

Additional information about the November 4th 2008 Referendum may be found at the Durham County website (http://www.durhamcountync.gov/) and the City of Durham's website at (http://www.durhamnc.gov/).

This publication produced by: Durham County Public Information Office 200 E. Main Street Durham, NC 27701 (919) 560-0002 City of Durham Office of Public Affairs 101 City Hall Plaza Durham, NC 27701 (919) 560-4123