CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Jacksonville group aims to have wet/dry issue on May ballot

Jacksonville group aims to have wet/dry issue on May ballot

by Michelle Reese - email

JACKSONVILLE, TX (KYTX) - The group doesn't have a name yet, but they do have a goal: to get a proposition for alcohol sales on next May's election ballot. They say other East Texas towns are reaping the financial rewards of alcohol sales, so why shouldn't Jacksonville?

Sales are booming at Skeeter's in Rusk.

Skeeter Irby says his business has skyrocketed since he started selling beer and wine.

"It probably doubles our sales. Tax revenues up, chips, drinks, everything."

He and other businesses owners in Rusk started selling alcohol in August, after voters said yes to making their city wet. Since then, sales tax revenues have jumped almost 21 %.

"Beer is what's doubled our sales," says Irby.

Since the city of Rusk has seen its sales tax revenues skyrocket with the sale of beer and wine, some in the city of Jacksonville say it's time for them to cash in.

"It makes good business sense the town could use the revenue."

George Douglas is heading up a group of seven business leaders in Jacksonville to explore the possibility of holding a local option election next May.

"We look at surrounding cities and we want to level the playing field. We believe it is time the citizens of Jacksonville consider this," says Douglas.

He says the net impact of alcohol sales would be about $11 million in Jacksonville.

"Keep the local money in the local community," says Douglas.

Just the possibility of alcohol sales is stirring emotions. Meanawhile, Irby is keeping his shelves stocked and isn't worrying about Jacksonville going wet just yet.

'I get a few Jacksonville people, but we'll be all right," says Irby.

Douglas says his group will first hire a consultant, then get signatures for the election - and they'll start getting those at the beginning of 2010.