Quarter-cent tax adds 25 cents to every $100 in Guilford County

Guilford County shoppers will pay an additional 25 cents on every $100 of eligible purchases starting soon. The change follows the local election on Tuesday, November 3, when residents voted to approve a quarter-cent sales tax increase.

The measure passed with 63% support. County officials project the new levy will generate approximately $30 million each year. Seventy percent of that total, or about $21 million, is designated specifically for teacher salary supplements. The Guilford County Board of Education stated that higher pay is necessary to recruit and keep strong educators in the district.

This was the county's first successful attempt to pass this specific tax. Previous efforts had failed to gain voter approval. The difference this time was the ballot language, which explicitly detailed how the money would be spent. In addition to the 70% allocated for teachers, the plan directs 18% of revenue to firefighter equipment and 8% to Guilford Technical Community College. The remaining funds will support five municipalities within the county.

Voters who cast ballots in favor of the tax cited concerns about teacher retention and living costs. Eyanna Davis, who voted for the measure, said she wanted to ensure her younger siblings would not lose access to quality education because teachers could not afford to live on current salaries. “I have a lot of younger siblings, and they like learning, and I don’t want that to be stripped away from them because the teachers can’t afford to live,” Davis said.

John Haught, another supporter at the polls, shared similar views. He noted that many teachers he knows struggle with basic needs. “I know teachers that know food scarcity, which is just wrong,” he said. The tax rate applies immediately to eligible purchases once the measure takes effect.

The revenue distribution is fixed by the vote. The 70% for teachers, 18% for firefighters, and 8% for the technical college will remain the primary recipients of the $30 million annual inflow.