A sign encourages Watauga County to "VOTE NO" on the Aug. 31 sales tax referendum. Voters rejected the proposal Tuesday with 62 percent in the majority. Photo by Alex Harrison | The Appalachian

Over 7,000 people voted in the referendum, with 4,428 voting against and 2,705 voting for the proposed sales tax increase.

The rejection of the increase marks the end of many weeks of debate and passionate campaigning by the people of Boone and Watauga County.

If passed, the revenue generated by the added tax would have gone to funding a new recreation center, as well as a community center in Watauga County.

Only 83 votes were cast on Appalachian State University’s campus, according to the election results.

Deborah Greene, founder of the Watauga County Citizens Opposed to the 2010 Sales Tax Referendum Committee (COST), believes students should have a stronger voice in local elections, especially on the issue of a sales tax, which students would also have to pay.

“Being over on campus, I’m really frustrated with the way the students felt like their votes were being suppressed,” Greene said. “There’s a lack of understanding in the rules here.”

“Regardless of whether they vote yes or no, we need to have people having input into the process,” Greene said.

Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson was also at the courthouse Tuesday awaiting the results of the vote.

Clawson was pleased with the results, as an approval of the tax would have added burden on the county, which also recently completed building the new Watauga High School, she said.

“What I’m concerned about is the huge amount of debt the county already has, and this would add to that debt,” Clawson said. “I’m thrilled with the high school. The high school is wonderful. But at this time, I think it [the increase] probably would have been too much."

Story: MICHELLE YOW, Intern News Reporter
Photo: ALEX HARRISON, Intern Photographer