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Jim Johnson, a city of Roseburg consultant, brought to the City Council Monday night several ideas to supplement the city’s general fund, all proving unpopular with councilors.
Johnson asked the council if it would like city staff to further investigate the options. Council members said no.
The six alternatives described as significant tax sources commonly considered by cities as supplements to the property tax system are: personal income tax, corporate income tax, retail sales tax, restaurant tax, business license tax and amusement and entertainment tax. None was singled out for further discussion.
Councilor Mel Cheney asked Johnson to remove all the options from further analysis.
“My constituents feel we have enough taxes,” Cheney said.
Mayor Larry Rich seconded Cheney’s argument.
“These choices are not ones I agree with,” Rich said.
Councilor Michael Baker, however, said that as disagreeable as new taxes may seem, there may come a time in the future “when it’s appropriate.”
Councilor Jack Reilly agreed with Baker, and said the idea of investigating new tax revenues may not be a critical issue now, but it could be worth looking into later.
“There might come a time if things get that drastic,” Reilly said.
The council voted unanimously to discontinue the alternatives study.
The alternatives were the first of several agenda items designed to meet the council’s goals of creating revenue for the general fund.
With an $18.8 million general fund — up about $1.3 million from 2004-05 — the city is looking to keep up with increasing expenses.
For example, costs for employee retirement funds and salaries are on the rise.
The city is also currently relying on general fund reserves to reopen and keep open the Harvard Avenue fire station.
The council is expected to discuss other general fund boosting ideas such as department fees and charges at future meetings.
• You can reach reporter Adam Pearson at 957-4213 or by e-mail at apearson@newsreview.info.
Johnson asked the council if it would like city staff to further investigate the options. Council members said no.
The six alternatives described as significant tax sources commonly considered by cities as supplements to the property tax system are: personal income tax, corporate income tax, retail sales tax, restaurant tax, business license tax and amusement and entertainment tax. None was singled out for further discussion.
Councilor Mel Cheney asked Johnson to remove all the options from further analysis.
“My constituents feel we have enough taxes,” Cheney said.
Mayor Larry Rich seconded Cheney’s argument.
“These choices are not ones I agree with,” Rich said.
Councilor Michael Baker, however, said that as disagreeable as new taxes may seem, there may come a time in the future “when it’s appropriate.”
Councilor Jack Reilly agreed with Baker, and said the idea of investigating new tax revenues may not be a critical issue now, but it could be worth looking into later.
“There might come a time if things get that drastic,” Reilly said.
The council voted unanimously to discontinue the alternatives study.
The alternatives were the first of several agenda items designed to meet the council’s goals of creating revenue for the general fund.
With an $18.8 million general fund — up about $1.3 million from 2004-05 — the city is looking to keep up with increasing expenses.
For example, costs for employee retirement funds and salaries are on the rise.
The city is also currently relying on general fund reserves to reopen and keep open the Harvard Avenue fire station.
The council is expected to discuss other general fund boosting ideas such as department fees and charges at future meetings.
• You can reach reporter Adam Pearson at 957-4213 or by e-mail at apearson@newsreview.info.
