Brad Wilson: Keeping our sales tax dollars at home

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s ShopAuburn campaign has been a part of our organization’s program of work for more than a decade, but this year, in these economic times, it is more important than ever. ShopAuburn encourages the citizens of Auburn to do business right here in our own town to support our economy and create a sense of community.
Friends and neighbors support friends and neighbors, and we all benefit.

While we feel strongly about all that we do to strengthen local business, we are especially passionate about ShopAuburn, because it impacts the quality of life Auburn citizens enjoy and have come to expect.

With the holiday season upon us, the year-round campaign is especially vital. In today’s copy of the

Opelika-Auburn News you will find a “ShopAuburn for the Holidays” insert full of wish list ideas, a 20 percent off coupon good at participating Auburn Chamber members and information illustrating the significance of local sales tax dollars.

Of the entire general fund revenue for the City of Auburn, the number one source of income is sales tax (40 percent), followed by occupational license fees, business license fees and property taxes. The business community accounts for the top four revenue contributors.

The City of Auburn contributes a full 13 percent of the city’s general fund revenue to Auburn City Schools – this year it amounted to more than $6 million. So, every dollar spent in Auburn has a direct, positive impact on supporting our schools, public parks, police, fire, garbage collection, recycling, recreation programs, street maintenance, bike paths, public library and more. Again, these are the many programs and services that we as citizens of Auburn have come to expect and hopefully appreciate.

In addition to the mandatory fees and taxes that the business community contributes to the general fund, the businesses of Auburn support local events and programs, such as your child’s soccer team and your daughter’s softball program. And, if your son was one of the elite athletes who won the Dixie Youth World Series this past year, he could not have made the trip without the support of the business community.

Having been raised right here in Auburn and now married and raising my family here, I appreciate the ShopAuburn initiative more than ever. Ali and I are the proud parents of a 19-month-old daughter who will be entering Auburn City Schools before we know it. I want our local schools to be just as strong as they are today in five, 10 and 20 years. For that to happen, I realize that I, along with the rest of Auburn, must do my part to walk the talk for our community’s well being.

A flourishing small-business sector is paramount to maintaining Auburn’s unique character. So this holiday season, please join me in shopping Auburn for the holidays. Before you make a purchase or order a service, make sure you are doing business with your neighbor and fellow chamber member and keep those dollars at home.

And, if you cannot find what you are looking for here in Auburn, by all means, shop in Lee County before going to Columbus, Atlanta or Montgomery.

On behalf of the 860-plus Auburn Chamber Members, the Auburn Chamber staff and board of directors, we hope your holiday season is wonderful and prosperous.

Brad Wilson is chairman of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.