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"So we are understandably concerned about the same amount of revenue when anyone suggests phasing out one of our principal revenue sources."
Jay Black, a member of the Matthews County Board of Supervisors, not only is concerned about what lost revenue would do to providing services, but also how much the 1,5 percent increase in the sales tax would harm the poor in buying the necessities they need just to live day to day.
"We all buy milk and bread," he said. "We all wear shoes and socks."
Richmond City Councilman Joseph Brooks stressed to the panel that poor people would shoulder more of the burden in paying taxes than would other groups. While the personal property tax may be unpopular, he suggested that the higher sales tax would dampen any eagerness for the legislation.
"They will realize that depending on their income level and spending patterns," he said, "they could end up worse off under this proposal than they are now.”
Testifying before the committee, Carolyn Finley of Powhatan County told of recently buying a car costing $840. She and her husband were astonished to see their total property assessment leap from $151 in 1995 to $976 after purchasing the vehicle.
"My husband and I are working people who have to save and plan and budget for everything," she said. "There's got to be a better way to han
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