City Council passed Bill 8058 on Oct. 6 to amend the municipal code (Sec. 110-63) and align local exemptions for the municipal business and occupation (B&O) tax with recent state law changes.

Council member Jenkins, reporting for the finance committee, said the bill "is essentially modifying our municipal code to be in line with the state code," including exemption for businesses with less than $2,500 in annual gross income and the state's phaseout of the B&O tax on the sale of new automobiles. The finance committee recommended approval.

Council member Solomon said he supported easing burdens on small businesses but would vote "no" on this bill because he did not want to condone the stripping of B&O taxes for automobile sales within city limits. Council member Fagre noted the finance committee had estimated the city would lose about $3,000 in B&O receipts from the exemption for very small businesses and that the larger revenue reduction would come from automobile sales.

Council adopted the bill by roll call; the mayor declared the bill passed. The council did not add amendments on the floor.