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Assembly puts higher single-purchase sales‑tax cap to voters 5-1
Summary
The assembly voted 5-1 to place an ordinance raising the borough single‑purchase sales‑tax cap from $1,200 to $5,000 on the October 6, 2026 ballot after debate about impacts on local fishermen and businesses.
The Petersburg Borough Assembly voted 5-1 to submit to voters an ordinance that would raise the single‑purchase sales‑tax cap from $1,200 to $5,000 and modernize a cap that had last been adjusted decades ago.
Proponents said the change would modernize a cap set in 1959 and generate revenue to support rural services such as the school district. “If something feels important enough to get to that step, I’ve brought it before them,” Member Stan Greger said in support of placing the measure on the ballot.
Opponents worried the increase would fall disproportionately on local commercial fishermen and other businesses that make large purchases in town. Member Newman said he would vote no, arguing the change could tax fishermen at the fuel dock and harm their already declining revenues: “That’s gonna affect their ability to run around and look for fish. It’s gonna affect their bottom line.”
The clerk recorded a 5‑1 vote to put the measure on the October 6, 2026 regular election ballot; Member Newman cast the lone no vote. If voters approve the change, the ordinance would increase the maximum sales‑tax collected on a single transaction from $72 to $300 (at current rates) and allow up to a $5,000 taxable cap under the municipal code language.
What’s next: The sales‑tax cap increase will appear on the October 6, 2026 ballot for voter approval.
