It’s no secret that road conditions are an issue in Chilton County—just attend a county commission meeting and listen to all the people complain about the asphalt or dirt they have to drive on.

And a tax increase to help improve road conditions seems like a logical step for the county’s leaders to take.

Not so fast.

Though five out of seven commissioners told The Clanton Advertiser they would support such an increase, we’re still a long way from any action.

For starters, commission chairman Tim Mims said he would support a tax increase only if a large percentage of the revenue was earmarked for roads. Other commissioners shared this sentiment.

Mims also said he would want state Rep. Jimmy Martin and state Sen. Hank Erwin to support a referendum.

Then there is the little matter of the residents of Chilton County voting to give up more money. Sure, people love the idea of better roads, but tax increases are never popular. Further, Martin said now—in the middle of our country’s most significant recession since the Great Depression—is not the time to raise taxes.

A tax increase for road improvements might make sense, but don’t expect to be handing out extra pennies anytime soon.