Politics & Government
Council Mixed on Sales Tax Increase
While some criticize initiative as too general, others continue pushing for it, saying majority of voters support it as a way to raise critically-needed funds.
Three city council members have said they will not be supporting a sales tax increase initiative, meaning the decision over whether to place it on the ballot lies with just four others, the Press Democrat is reporting.
On Monday, Mayor Dave Glass and council members Mike Harris and Teresa Barrett said they would not support any efforts to place the initiative on the ballot—all for different reasons.
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A half-cent sales tax increase would generate $5 million in additional revenue for the city, money that could be spent on social services, potholes and police salaries, although which items would get priority has not been identified.
Glass said he believes the initiative would compete with the parks parcel tax initiative that would add between $52-$250 a year in property taxes and be used for recreational facilities. Barrett said she didn’t support it because it was too general and would be used for salaries, while Harris has said he is opposed to all tax increases.
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That leaves just council members Tiffany Renee, who has pushed for a sales tax increase since 2009, Mike Healy, Chris Albertson and Gabe Kearney to get the initiative on the ballot by mid August.
Do you support a sales tax increase? Why or why not?
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