Both sides of the alcohol sales election have received thousands of dollars from contributors. These types of committees are required to file periodic reports stating contributions and expense.
There are three Special Purpose Committees: one raising money to help pass the local option and two raising money to oppose the local option election. The two opposing committees are: “Texarkana Strong” whose Campaign Treasurer is De Lois M. Hall and “Texarkana United For All” whose Campaign Treasurer is Marsha Wilson. The Supporter committee is “It’s Our Time – Texarkana, Texas” whose campaign Treasure is Derrick McGary.
“Texarkana Strong” has raised $16,820.01 and has spent $12,058.71 from September 4, 2014 to October 2, 2014.
“Texarkana United For All” has raised $8,100 and spent $6,205.67 from September 4, 2014 to October 2, 2014.
“It’s Our Time – Texarkana, Texas” raised $35,000 from June 20, 2014 to June 30, 2014. It also raised $40,000 from July 1, 2014 to September 25, 2014. These contributions came from grocery stores.
The citizens of Texarkana, Texas and Wake Village, Texas are voting on, “the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only.” By state law this will only allow beer and wine sold in places like grocery and convenience stores. This law will not allow packaged liquor sales.
According to studies conducted by noted Texas economist Dr. Ray Perryman, Texas cities the size of Texarkana, Texas, can be losing as much as $19.5 million in annual sales, nearly 200 jobs, and over $450,000 in sales tax revenues. This would be equal to 3.2% of the revenue collected in 2013 tax revenues.
Voters approved alcohol sales in Nash, Texas, in November 2013. Nash sales tax is up over 66%, which could result in more than $200,000 in additional revenue this year with no reported change in crime and the city council voted to lower the property tax as a result of the increase in local sales tax revenues.
Here is how the money breaks down:
