Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Taxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Candidates back education, welcome packets and a $1 RETA subpoena fee to recover city tax revenue
Summary
After candidates were told about roughly 4,000 city tax nonfilers, most supported a nominal $1 subpoena fee to secure withheld revenue and emphasized outreach, rental registration improvements and welcome packets for new residents.
During the forum candidates reacted to a finance-related figure cited by a moderator: the city's finance director reportedly told council that about 4,000 residents had not filed city taxes. Several candidates said the number suggests an information gap rather than willful evasion.
Annalisa Clear explained that the RETA subpoena fee is an administrative tool and said the city must improve processes that make the fee unnecessary. "It's not like a subpoena to court," Clear said, drawing a distinction in process. Clear advocated improved rental registration systems and noted she had managed the city's rental registration in a 2024 cycle.
Mary Jo Zorbb said she "absolutely" supports the $1 subpoena fee if it helps recover revenue; Victor Wilson and other candidates said the charge is a reasonable step to recoup funds and encouraged education through welcome baskets for new residents. Candidates repeatedly called for clearer communication about filing requirements so residents understand when and how to file their city taxes.
No candidate proposed rescinding the fee; instead, candidates emphasized combining administrative tools with outreach and software or process improvements to reduce future enforcement costs.
