ALCOHOL $$$ STUPOR

The fears of alcohol critics who worried about the adverse affect of strong drink on Grove Hill have been justified.

The Grove Hill Town Council is confused and befuddled about how and when to allocate alcohol tax revenues and whether the action requires a formal ordinance or just a vote or resolution.

Citizens for Grove Hill, the group that successfully promoted legalized sales, wants an allocation formula with specific percentages going to various institutions or programs. Mayor Jerry Newton earlier rejected that, saying he preferred that all the money go to the general fund to be doled out as needed and by requests.

The council met in a work session Jan. 27 where several ideas for dividing alcohol tax dollars were offered by council members. Suggestions included putting 40 percent to 50 percent in the general fund. Offerings ranged from 20 percent to 25 percent to be allocated to the hospital and town public schools with lesser amounts proposed for recreation, the library, senior center and others.

The item was listed on the agenda for consideration for approval but the mayor read the various suggestions and then proposed to adjourn the meeting without calling for any vote or discussion.

Questions from the audience showed that the council isn’t sure what it is doing regarding the dispersal of alcohol tax dollars.

Newton seemed to think any appropriation requires an ordinance and that it would require two readings. However, other council members and some spectators seemed to think any allocation formula could be done by a resolution or a simple agreement.

When it was suggested that townspeople deserve a right to know what formula the council might be leaning toward or voting for, most council members seemed surprised at that suggestion.

When it was pointed out that if the matter is to be done as an ordinance, one specifying a division of funds would have to be presented at one meeting and voted on at the next.

When it was noted that that procedure would require two more meetings, Mayor Newton offered, “The money [tax revenues] isn’t going anywhere” and Council member Pat McGraw snapped that you couldn’t write a check before you get the money, an apparent reference to the fact that no alcohol revenues have yet been collected. Sales only started in early January.

No indication was given Monday as to when alcohol revenues would be allocated or even if they will be allocated on a percentage basis.