Mayor Gillespie vetoes sales tax extension | News

PRATTVILLE, AL (WSFA) - One the last day of the 10 day period to veto, Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie killed the one cent sales tax extension passed by the City Council last week.

"I just don't think the extension is in the best interest of the city," said Mayor Gillespie.

Gillespie went on to say the sales tax had always been promoted as a "temporary" tax. Gillespie added that 19 years is not temporary.

The council voted on Oct. 2 to extend the tax through 2031, or until all long-term city debt is dealt with.

Gillespie had previously asked the council to extend the tax only through Sept. 30, 2013 - he said that gave the next council enough time to assess the city's finances and make a decision for the future. The tax was first passed in March 2011 bringing the city's total sales tax to 9.5 percent. It was only intended to last one calendar year.

The board can override the Mayor's veto with a two-thirds vote at its next meeting on Tuesday night. Five members must vote to override the veto. The sales tax extension only passed with a 4-2 vote last week.