County Commission Chairman Larry Henry said Friday a 26-cent county property tax is "an almost impossible sale" and he won't support it.
Chairman Henry, who was the key swing vote for a county tax increase three years ago, this time said, "I don't see the need for it."
He said the commission "is really split on the issue. If the vote was today, I don't think it would pass."
He said it "could go either way" when the votes are cast next Thursday morning.
Commissioner Henry said the tax increase "is based a lot on salaries." It would fund average 4.6 percent pay increases, plus another one percent for bringing up certain pay levels.
Commissioner Henry said, "I have been saying that the state has not been doing its part on the BEP. The state has not stepped up and done its part on the BEP."
He said the county schools are expected to get $12.8 million in new funds, which he said is equivalent to a 19.16 percent tax increase.
And he said growth should bring almost $5 million in new revenue - which he said is equivalent to another 7.4 cent tax increase.
Commissioner Henry said additional taxes "would hurt a lot of people. There are people who are having trouble making it toward the end of the month. They are down to their last $20 or $25."
He said, "I just don't see a justification for this tax increase."