As municipalities in Alabama dealt with declines in revenue in last year , many were facing a tough choice.

Continue to participate in the sales tax holiday in 2009, or opt out in an effort to save money.

From Abbeville to Webb you'll find different stories here in the Wiregrass when it comes to participating in the 2009 sales tax holiday. some will take part the weekend of august 7th , and others will not both major players here in Houston county are...and they say the reason is the people.

"If you look at the list most localities in the state have done it but fewer have done it on a perpetual basis than our coming back every year and doing it. Said Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver "

Houston county passed a resolution last year that would make them perpetual participants, many other counties have done the same 68 in total are permanent participants , as is the city of Dothan.

"Obviously for the consumer it's a good thing and for us we're in a loss because we're in a down economy, but you have to look at th purpose. It's to give people a break who need to buy things for school "

West and Culver both say the positive impact for the consumer
outweighs the negative in terms of loss of tax revenue, and looking at the numbers some say that loss is inconsequential.

Again, the sales Tax Holiday is The weekend of August 7th.