Columbus Junction, IA
Posted by salestax on August 31, 2006
City officials in Columbus Junction (read the story here) want their residents to vote on adding a 1% sales tax to purchases made in their town. Of course, it has to be approved by local consumer vote on November 7th.
With potential income at only $35,000, this seems ridiculously low to have local businesses and other retailers selling to Columbus Junction consumers bear the burden of tracking the sales in this town. Has the town looked into what the income is from other towns who already collect local sales tax? Are they all this low? Doesn’t seem worth the effort. Surely, they can come up other means to generate these funds? The council doesn’t even seem to have a plan for it, basically saying “we just need more money for stuff.” Some of the “stuff” they mention is pool repairs, a rock wall, or possibly more funds for a new county jail, or a new employee? Well, which is it. How far is 35K going to get this town?
If I were a resident in this town, I’d vote “NO” unless the council comes out with a difinitive use for this money and its residents are willing to hold them to it.
