The Vandalia City Council tabled an agenda item during Monday night’s meeting concerning the possibility of a ballot question concerning an increase of sales tax in the city. Vandalia Mayor Gottman explained to the council that he had been approached by Alderman B. John Clark the last couple years concerning a change in the sales tax to help offset police pension cost that the city has to cover. Gottman said they would not be acting on the ordinance during the meeting as they were looking to get the public’s and local business input on the issue.
Mayor Gottman also passed out figures the city had received from other area cities as far as sales tax amounts in their communities.
During discussion about the issues, Alderman Clark explained that this would be a way to keep from raising property taxes to cover the pensions and reminded the council that this sales tax is paid by not just by the city residents but also by tourists and others that come into Vandalia from outside the city to eat and shop and Mayor Gottman adding it would also be paid by the renters in the city who shop here but do not have to pay property taxes.
Mayor Gottman also explained during discussion to the board that if an increase in sales tax would be put on the ballot and approved, he would like the increased portion of the sales tax to be specifically earmarked. We will have more on this story coming up tomorrow on Newscenter.