RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Saying he is "very concerned" about sales tax legislation being considered by the General Assembly, the chairman of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has released a statement that lays out his concerns.

Below is the statement, dated March 30, from Trevor Fuller, which is posted on the website of the county, at charmeck.org.

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"Legislation is being introduced in the General Assembly that would change the way locally levied sales tax revenue is distributed in North Carolina.  Like many counties and cities in this State, Mecklenburg County is very concerned about such legislation.

According to our preliminary estimates, Mecklenburg County could stand to lose up to 30% of our sales tax revenue. The resulting economic effect in this County would be worse than the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009, when hundreds of employees were laid off, and drastic cuts were made to schools, libraries, parks and recreation and others.

I am keenly aware of the financial struggles many of our rural counties face.  In addition to serving as Chairman of our County Commission, I also serve as a Steering Committee co-chair with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.  In that role, I have learned first-hand that many counties have not rebounded from the Great Recession as fully as others, and that they face persistent economic challenges.

But redistribution of revenue is not the answer.

The most effective way to grow our State is to invest in all of North Carolina, not to pit one county against another.  We, in Mecklenburg County, are committed to helping our state leaders find a long-term, sustainable economic model that will benefit all areas of the State.  If we are to thrive, all counties should participate in a joint prosperity.  We need to create a regional economic development framework that would help all counties create jobs and opportunity for all residents.

The people of Mecklenburg County are ready to be part of a solution that works to create a strong, unified North Carolina that builds on the unique qualities and strengths of every region in our State.  It is these unique qualities that draw new residents, students and businesses to North Carolina."