MLB "advocates" in the NC-Triad area "have quietly
contacted county commissioners in the region about whether
they would support" a May '98 referendum on a 1% tax on
prepared foods and beverages to finance a new ballpark,
according to John Cochran of the Greensboro NEWS & RECORD.
The NC Baseball Committee (NCBC) said they "would support a
vote next May," as they "expect" MLB to begin the process of
awarding expansion teams sometime in May-June, '98. If the
tax is approved, it would only go into effect if MLB awards
the Triad one of two expansion teams it might approve as
early as '99 (NEWS & RECORD, 6/12). If a vote were held
today, the 1% prepared food tax "would be opposed" by 59% of
Triad voters and favored by 35%, according to a new poll by
the NEWS & RECORD. But "nearly" nine out of ten want the
"chance to vote." The telephone poll of 405 registered
voters was conducted June 4-10. A 1% food tax would add
"about" $.25 to a $25 restaurant bill and raise about $19M a
year. While the food tax was opposed by 59%, a $.02 beer
tax per can/bottle was favored by 59%, opposed by 34%, with
7% undecided. A hotel/motel tax was favored by 58%, opposed
by 33%, with 10% undecided (NEWS & RECORD, 6/15).
