Chairman Colin McKenzie admitted to fellow county commissioners Monday that response to his call for a second land transfer tax referendum has been less than enthusiastic.

McKenzie reminded everyone that Thursday is the last day to call for such a referendum if the issue is to go on the Nov. 4 ballot. The subject is not on the agenda for a Thursday work session.

McKenzie said residents had not been "knocking on my door" begging for another referendum but pointed out that deed transfers continue to represent brisk business in the Register of Deeds office. Based on the number of deed transfers recorded in recent weeks, this would be a good time to impose a tax, he said.

"I'm not going to push it any more," said McKenzie, who is retiring from the board at the end of the year.

Commissioner Tim Lea said he could not be present for the Thursday workshop but wanted to go on record as opposing a second referendum on the tax.

Voters overwhelmingly defeated the measure at the polls last November and also turned down an additional sales tax issue in May. The measures were put before voters as an alternative to even higher increases in the property tax rate, something that may be needed to fund a $69.5 million education bond program and to cover other capital projects.

However, when McKenzie raised the prospect of a second transfer tax referendum at the Aug. 4 board meeting, the response from the other four commissioners was lukewarm.

PRAISE -- Commissioner Cindy Morgan took time during the Monday meeting to praise firefighters, rescue workers and other public safety personnel who worked so hard to bring the fire in Robbins under control Sunday.

Morgan, who lives in Eagle Springs, expressed appreciation to the numerous county and out of town units that sent personnel and equipment to battle the largest, most dangerous fire in Robbins history. She said 75 pieces of equipment were hauled into Robbins to fight the fire at the former textile mill.

"We can all be proud of our staff," Morgan added, in reference to Public Safety and Emergency Medical Services response and the cooperation of visiting units.

ADJUSTMENT -- A training session has been called for a special meeting of the Moore County Planning Board of Adjustment, to be held Tuesday morning at the Senior Enrichment Center.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.