
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, December 22, 1994                   TAG: 9412230051
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV7   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI                                 LENGTH: Medium

PULASKI COUNCIL VOTES TO URGE KEEPING BUSINESS TAX|

Pulaski Town Council has taken a stand against Gov. George Allen's proposal to do away with the business, professional and occupational license tax for localities, but the decision was not unanimous.

Councilman Eddie Hale, owner of Martin's Pharmacy, voted at Tuesday night's council session against authorizing Mayor Andy Graham to write to Allen and state legislators protesting the removal of that local revenue source.

Hale said later that, as a businessman, he agreed with Allen that the tax is unfair. He also believed the public should listen for more details of Allen's proposals before protesting them, he said.

The other seven council members voted to oppose the governor on the local tax issue.

``This is a serious thing. It'll affect our budget about 7 percent,'' or about $308,000, Graham said.

``I can't think of anyone who wouldn't support the governor in his effort to run a more efficient state government,'' the mayor added. But he said the loss of this revenue would have a big impact on the town.

Councilman John Johnston called it ``an abomination'' and said Allen was taking the action with no study as to its effects. ``I think it just borders on irresponsibility and our people in the town need to know it's happening,'' he said.

In other business, council approved a $225,000 loan from its Urban Development Action Grant funds to help Virginia Church Furniture buy equipment and expand its activities and employment.

Council also agreed to re-advertise for a town finance director. The first solicitations in national publications drew 35 to 40 applicants. Council interviewed a few, but hired none.

Town officials wanted to find someone with computer as well as government and accounting experience to set up and oversee a new computer system to increase efficiency in the town's Finance Department.

Council members differed over whether the computer or governmental experience was more important. Roy D'Ardenne said the town's own accountant advised that ``there's a tremendous difference between governmental accounting and private accounting.'' But Johnston and others thought the computer and business skills were the main need.

Council approved a conditional-use permit for Pulaski County and the Straight Street Youth Center to have up to two pool tables and 10 arcade or video games at its facility in the former Jefferson School.

The governing body also approved a 3 percent retirement allowance increase for current and future retirees, as permitted by the state, retroactive to Oct. 1.

by CNB