THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 1997 TAG: 9701070269
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: 42 lines
A poll of Richmond-area voters shows solid support for a proposal to eliminate the personal property tax and replace it with a higher sales tax.
The Media General poll published by the Richmond Times-Dispatch Monday also found that more than one-quarter of respondents said they'd be more likely to buy a big-ticket item such as a car if the personal property tax were eliminated.
Sen. Charles J. Colgan, D-Prince William, said the results fall in line with responses he has received about his plan to replace personal property taxes with an increase in the state sales tax from 4.5 percent to 6 percent.
The revenue from the higher sales tax would be returned to localities to replace the $1.1 billion they now raise from personal property levies on cars, boats and other major possessions.
Local officials have objected to Colgan's idea because sales tax revenues are growing more slowly than personal property taxes. Local officials also said they would not have control over the new tax.
The Media General poll of 406 people found 57 percent favored raising the sales tax if it meant eliminating the personal property tax. Thirty-three percent said they were against the idea, and the rest didn't know or gave no answer.
There was a slight difference between men and women. Almost 60 percent of men favored the proposal, while 54 percent of women did.
The proposal had overwhelming support from younger and older segments of the population. But just under half of those ages 35 to 44 were in favor.
When asked whether eliminating the personal property tax would make them more or less likely to buy a big-ticket item, 27 percent said more likely. But 71 percent said it wouldn't make any difference.
The poll, which has a sampling error of plus or minus 5 percentage points, covered the city of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield. It was conducted Dec. 17-21.
Gov. George Allen has said he would veto such a proposal, but Colgan said the governor might change his mind.
KEYWORDS: POLL PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES