Tax for all
Florence City Council made a decision Thursday to try again for a city sales tax.
The council recognized the need to become more organized with their efforts and will launch a campaign to inform residents.
A city sales tax is a common means to provide more revenue to a community.
The tax will provide additional revenue without taxing only the residents.
All who spend money on retail items and services in Florence will pay the city sales tax.
Groceries, cigarettes, soda pop, and liquor sales will support the city of Florence.
A city sales tax does not necessarily discourage people from shopping in the community. We think nothing of driving 30 minutes to an hour to shop in another community and pay their city sales taxes.
Most wouldn't notice the difference in the amount they'd pay.
Two cities in the county have city sales taxes — Hillsboro since 1985 and Marion since 2001.
Hillsboro's one-half percent sales tax revenue is used for improvement of city streets; Marion's three-quarters of a percent is designated for economic development and makes the bond payments for an industrial park.
A one percent sales tax is not going to stop people from purchasing a pack of cigarettes or the family's weekly groceries.
However, the benefits could have a profound, sustaining affect on the city and its residents.
Long-term goals could be discussed. Necessary improvements could be made. A high quality of life could be maintained.
Surely that's worth a penny on every dollar spent in Florence.
— SUSAN BERG
