Posted 3:24 am Friday, September 03, 2010
Alba, Mineola Groups Start Alcohol Election Drives
By MELISSA CROWE
Staff Writer
MINEOLA -- In an effort to get a local-option election for beer and wine sales on the May ballot, Mineola and Alba residents are collecting signatures for support.
Staff Writer
MINEOLA -- In an effort to get a local-option election for beer and wine sales on the May ballot, Mineola and Alba residents are collecting signatures for support.
Both groups say bringing in beer and wine sales boils down to economics. Patricia Wood, a Mineola city councilwoman, hopes to boost sales tax revenue with beer and wine sales for off-premise consumption and with the sale of mixed beverages in restaurants certified to do so. Mrs. Wood said allowing alcohol sales -- as an alternative to raising the tax rate on residents -- could bring in enough tax revenue to help the city maintain a quality work force.
"We value our city workers a lot and don't want to lose any one because they can make more money or get better benefits elsewhere," Mrs. Wood said.
The city of Mineola would need to obtain 349 signatures and Alba would need 35 from eligible voters in order to call an election.
The last time an option for beer and wine sales was on the ballot in Mineola was nearly 40 years ago, said Pat Hamlet, chairwoman of the political action committee, Citizens for Tax Relief.
"It's time this was done," she said.
She said that prohibiting alcohol sales doesn't stop residents from purchasing it elsewhere; it only deprives Mineola of sales tax revenue.
She said that prohibiting alcohol sales doesn't stop residents from purchasing it elsewhere; it only deprives Mineola of sales tax revenue.
The alcohol store nearest to Mineola is in Big Sandy, and for Alba residents, the closest is in Tawakoni.
The added revenue could be used to retain city employees, maintain the fire department budget and historic buildings, boost the downtown economy and attract new businesses and restaurants, Mrs. Hamlet said.
"It just makes it more attractive to people who come out here," Mrs. Hamlet said.
The Perryman Group from Waco conducted a 2008 study of economic and fiscal impacts of alcoholic beverage sales in Texas.
The study quantifies the economic benefits cities hope to receive when they go wet.
A city of about 25,000 people would likely see a $19 million increase in spending and the creation of about 185 jobs if it sold alcoholic beverages. A city of about 100,000 people would likely see $90.1 million in additional spending and the creation of 863 jobs.
Eugene Kelbe, an Alba city councilman, said potential revenue from beer and wine sales will "go to the upkeep of the streets and lighting."
"There's always something that's in need for the city," he said.
Both communities will need to get 35 percent of eligible voters to sign the petition before the issue can go to a ballot in May.
While Alba residents are taking a more grassroots approach, the Mineola committee brought in an Austin consultant to help get the issue on the ballot.
So far, Walmart and the local Brookshire's grocery store are on board, Mrs. Wood said.
However, some Mineola residents are concerned how the alcohol sales will fit with the city.
Anita Peters, owner of Cottage Antiques in downtown Mineola, said alcohol "is where trouble starts."
She said she does not want to see alcohol sold in Mineola, but because she lives outside of city limits, she will not be eligible to vote on the issue.
"I've seen too many bad things happen with it," she said. "If everybody could control themselves, OK. But they don't."
Although the economy is down, she said she thinks the issue will "meet a lot of opposition."
Ken Davis, manager of Burger Co. in downtown Mineola, said if the issue made it to election and passed, he could not see the downtown restaurant serving alcohol.
"I'd like to think there would still be a market share for a restaurant like mine without alcohol in it," he said. "Based on the atmosphere and the employment of so many young people, not to say you can't do it with alcohol, but I'd prefer not to."
He hopes people in opposition of the proposal will present other ideas to generate revenue.
"Alcohol may be an easy source of income, but there are other revenue generators besides alcohol," he said.
Jay Heppner, co-owner of Lost Creek in downtown Mineola, said the advantages of alcohol sales would probably be felt more at restaurants and convenient stores than at gift shops such as his.
As a whole, "it could be very beneficial for the city," he said.
However, he said he recognizes both sides of the issue.
"I think on one hand, it's good: Evening business would perk up and there'd be more potential for customers," he said. "On the other hand, I think it's a matter of the citizens being more responsible in their drinking."
