Ballot question
Columbus County Local Sales and Use Tax Referendum
- On the ballot in
- Columbus County
- Vote
- Yes or no
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
The question, as printed on the ballot
Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes.
A “Yes” vote means
Allows Columbus County to levy an extra 0.25% local sales and use tax. Commissioners resolved to give priority to school capital needs, EMS, and parks and recreation.
A “No” vote means
Columbus County could not levy the extra 0.25% local sales and use tax.
The commissioners' May 18, 2026 resolution (under G.S. 105-537) gives priority to capital improvements for Columbus County Schools, Whiteville City Schools and/or Southeastern Community College, emergency medical services, and parks and recreation, while keeping the board's authority to allocate the money as needed.
Sources
- Referendum Choices List Grouped by Referendum, all counties (November 3, 2026) · North Carolina State Board of Elections
- Official Election Notice: 2026 General, Election Notice of Contests and Referenda · Columbus County Board of Elections
- Minutes, May 18, 2026 regular session: Resolution, Designation of Quarter-Cent (1/4¢) Sales Tax Proceeds · Columbus County Board of Commissioners
The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.