Athens officials make case for 0.2-point income-tax increase, warn services could be cut if voters say no

Summary

At a League of Women Voters town hall, Athens officials asked voters to approve a 0.2 percentage-point municipal income-tax increase estimated to generate about $1.9 million a year, saying the money would shore up employee health benefits and core services; they warned collections would begin in 2027 and the full effect may not be seen until 2028.

Athens officials urged voters to approve Issue 1 — a proposed 0.2 percentage-point increase in the city income tax — at a League of Women Voters town hall on March 30.

"What we're asking of the citizens of Athens is an increase in our income tax," Mayor Patterson told attendees, framing the request as a response to rising material and health-care costs and long-term revenue shortfalls. He said the increase would be ongoing, unlike several existing levies that expire on set schedules.

The city treasurer, Josh Thomas, told the audience the measure is expected to produce about $1,900,000 in additional annual revenue after the existing voter-approved levies are paid. "That would be, you know, after those 4, first 4 things that we talked about get paid, then it leaves us with $1,900,000," Thomas said, and said about 14.5% of that would go to the street fund (roughly…

Athens officials make case for 0.2-point income-tax increase, warn services could be cut if voters say no

Summary

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