On March 5, 2015, Mayor Ron Payne announced that he would rescind his proposal to increase the city’s occupational tax rate and net profits tax rate. He stated that he would take the next year to study alternatives.
On May 4, 2015, he proposed another increase in the occupational tax rate raising it from 1.33% to 1.4%, in effect increasing the tax by over 5%. On May 5, 2015, he proposed changing the proposed increase to 1.39%.
Last night, May 5, 2015, the City Commission had a first reading to raise the occupational tax rate AND the net profits tax rate from 1.33% to 1.39%.
All City Commissioners, besides Deborah Nunley, state that they WILL SUPPORT this increase.
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce reiterates its support of the Mayor’s March 5th commitment that the city will not raise occupational tax rates or the net profit tax rates for at least a year. We ask the Mayor and the City Commission to refrain from proposing additional increases to occupational and net profits tax rates.
Occupational and net profit taxes are paid ONLY by workers and by businesses, especially hitting small and locally owned businesses.
The Chamber believes it is imperative that the City of Owensboro develops a long-term strategy for revenue growth and refrains from reactive tax increases with little to no public input.
The Chamber asks that you contact the City Commission members and let your opinions be heard.
THE VOTE IS SCHEDULED FOR NOON TOMORROW. SO THERE IS LITTLE TIME FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE HEARD. PLEASE JOIN US AT CITY HALL AT NOON TOMORROW, THURSDAY MAY 7 TO ASK OUR COMMISSION TO REFRAIN FROM PLACING ADDITIONAL TAXES ON WAGE EARNERS AND SMALL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES.
