By Kara Van Pelt
Register-Herald Reporter
—
At the Raleigh County Community Action Association meeting Monday evening, private auto repair business owners aand some board members voiced concerns about Action Auto Repair, a federally funded program that offers discount prices for low-income individuals.
The conflict arose when RCCAA opened Action Auto Repair, located at Raleigh Mall, with federal money in April.
Mark Creager, owner of Creager Tire in Beckley who has been in the business for 25 years, attended the meeting to tell the board his apprehensions concerning the repair center.
“I’m hearing a lot of opposition to Action Auto Repair,” he said. “The RCCAA has no business competing with local tax-paying businesses. For this garage to open up using our tax money against us is just crazy.”
Keith Bailey of Bailey’s Auto Repair agreed. “The taxes I pay are now going to support my competition. We’re not upset with the competition,” Bailey said, “but I disagree that they are using my tax dollars to fund this garage.”
“It comes down to the fact that private businesses are just not able to compete with the discounted prices the program is offering,” Creager said. “There’s no checks and balances.”
Dean Waddell of Dean’s Auto Repair concurred. “It’s wrong of government entities to get involved in the private sector.”
RCCAA executive director Bobbi Thomas Bailey noted Action Auto Repair is a nonprofit organization and 65 percent of its business consists mainly of low-income individuals and RCCAA staff.
She pointed out the program must become self-sustained by Sept. 30.
Bailey said Action Auto Repair offers a 15 percent discount to those who are in need. However, customers must provide W2s, tax returns or pay stubs to verify their income.
Jeff Lilly, president of the board, pointed out that this program was initiated by a grant with the intention to provide employment and meet the needs of low-income individuals. He noted it was never the RCCAA’s intention to create unfair competition and pointed out that the organization has no financial incentive.
Lilly said the meeting has definitely raised awareness among board members and the matter will require further investigation.
However, he said, regardless of the controversy, the repair center is a “good thing.”
