NC S179

Authorizes the City of Asheville to levy a 0.25% (one-quarter cent) local sales and use tax for public transportation, subject to voter approval in a referendum.

Tax revenue must be used exclusively for financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining public transportation systems, and must supplement rather than replace existing public transportation funds.

The Secretary of Revenue distributes tax proceeds to Asheville monthly on a net basis, with the Department retaining up to $300,000 in the first two fiscal years to cover collection and administration costs.

Referendum ballot question must specify that the tax is "in addition to the current local sales and use taxes, to be used only for public transportation systems."

City must provide the Secretary at least six months advance notice before implementing the tax, and no referendum can be held within one year of a preceding election under this provision.