Hackleburg sales tax increased to 9 percent; revenue doubled

HACKLEBURG — Hackleburg officials are already planning for upgrades to the town after a sales tax increase was approved from 8 percent to 9 percent during their town council meeting on March 16.
The vote was 4-1 in favor of the measure, with councilors Zach Isom, James Allen Weeks, Morgan Hudson and Pam Pickens being among those voting “yes.” Councilor Don Barnwell was the only opposing vote.
Among the discussions for possible opportunities was a grant for downtown revitalization, a grant for the sewer system and a grant to possibly add another veterans monument.
Funds will be needed to match these grants or to do the work and then be reimbursed, if the grant is of the reimbursable type.
Previously, Hackleburg was the only town in Marion County with an 8 percent sales tax rate. They will now join Hamilton, Guin, Brilliant and Bear Creek at 9 percent. Winfield and Haleyville are 10 percent, with Gu-Win at 7.6 percent and Glen Allen at 6 percent.
Also noted previously before the vote was the fact the Town of Hackleburg only received one percent of its former eight percent rate, with all the other funds going to the state, the county, the school and the police department.
The one percent increase means the town’s revenue is now doubled for upkeep, improvements and revitalization efforts.
Regarding the vote and new income for the town, Hackleburg Mayor Darryl Colburn noted, “As mayor, I understand any tax increase is a serious issue and a decision we didn't take lightly.
“While our revenues have stayed the same, our liabilities have all increased significantly.
“This tax will help meet the essential needs of the  citizens of Hackleburg by strengthening services, infrastructure and quality of life.
“We're committed to being responsible stewards of these funds and ensuring they're used to benefit the community.”
Hackleburg Town Clerk Carla Rector noted the new tax rate will go into effect on July 1.
Among other business on March 16, the council:
• Recognized town employees for receiving the Gold Risk Management Award for 2025, which marked the sixth year-in-a-row town employees had qualified to receive the award.
• Recognized former Hackleburg High School student, coach and principal Johnny Hardin for being inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.