As voters prepare to begin heading to the polls on Thursday there will be two referendums for Bladen County voters to consider and a third referendum for White Lake voters only regrading the sale of malt beverages and wine.
The NC Connect Bond is a statewide referendum that, if approved, would make about $2 billion available for projects throughout the state. Locally, if the bond is approved, Jones Lake State Park would receive $651,750 and Singletary Lake would receive $575,250. Also, Bladen Community College would receive $6.5 million.
Projects would include improvements at both park facilities and BCC would utilize the funds for the construction of a 21,000 square foot STEM facility that would house classrooms, a science lab, office space, and a teaching auditorium.
The second referendum will be a vote “for” or “against” a proposed quarter-cent sales tax in Bladen County. The sales tax will be used to reduce the property tax by two cents.
According to Bladen County Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson, the tax will not impact items such as groceries, automobile purchases, prescription drugs or utilities. The tax would generate $460,000 for the county.
Voters in White Lake will have the option to vote “for” or “against” the on-premises and off-premises sale of malt beverages and unfortified wine. Currently, White Lake only allows the sale of wine at such locations as convenience stores.
While some business owners see the referendum as an opportunity for the business community, others see the referendum as potentially harmful to the community.
In an earlier interview, Susan Inman, owner of The Venue said she supports the referendum and felt it would help her business.
White Lake residents Tom and Kay Martin are outspoken against the measure pointing out that, if approved, it will not bring many jobs and it will not attract new businesses.
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