Ray Midgett

I want to make sure that readers understand I meant no disrepect to Ray Midgett when I wrote:"No less of an expert than Ray Midgett, head of BeachHuggers, the group that led the movement to repeal the tax, has stated publicly that he does not expect the tax to bring in anywhere near 50% of the expected annual revenue of $13 million.". in the piece on the Southern Shores resolution Ray is dedicated to his cause, no matter how misguided I may think that cause is. I fault his tactics sometimes but not his dedication, sincerity or intelligence. It must also be said that he has been very successful. The following comment has been posted to that story from someone who knows Ray very well apparently and I thought that I would pass it on.

Some Outer Banks residents may not know that BeachHugger founder, Ray Midgett (retired) is a former tax auditor (including sales tax) for the North Carolina Department of Revenue. According to Midgett, he made his assumption that the county would garner less than 50% of the anticipated $12 million yearly revenue, based upon these facts, (1) all rental reservations made prior to Dec. 31, 2005 for the 2006 summer season are not subject to the new sales tax, (2) all building contracts signed and/or quoted prior to Dec. 31, 2005 do not have to pay the new sales tax on building materials, etc. even though construction takes place after Jan.1, 2006, and, (3)the first six months of the year, historically, do not produce 50 of the annual sales tax revenue.
And, this is only the beginning...add in, (a) a declining economy, (b)taxpayer's buying out of the county...yes, many of them are doing just THAT!

PS. I agree with his analysis.