Another tax increase on council agenda

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The sales tax saga continues with the issue once again appearing on the agenda for the Mobile City Council.

An item on the agenda for the council’s meeting on Tuesday comes on the heels of a failure by the city council and mayor to pass the tax increase twice now. On Sept. 17, the council voted down the idea of increasing the city's sales tax.

At least one council member has changed her mind about supporting a tax.

Meanwhile, business is booming at Jimmy Lowe's Fruitstand in Mobile. Produce consumer Fred Dixon unloads his basket of fresh fruit and vegetables.

His total came to $24.17. If Mayor Sam Jones proposed tax increase had been approved his total would have come to $24.39.

Dixon said he wouldn't mind paying the extra 22 cents, because it's what the city needs.

Although it has been shot down twice already, the issue of raising Mobile's sales tax could come up again.

Related: Moving on after another tax failure

Councilmember William Carroll added the item to the agenda, he supported the increase last time.

Gina Gregory didn’t.

Even though she doesn’t believe there is a budget deficit, Gregory has changed her position on the sales tax. Gregory said she supports a tax increase for the purpose of economic development and capital improvements.

"I believe we are all very concerned about our capital equipment. Ladder trucks, fire trucks, our police cars all need to be replaced. We know there is a problem," said Gregory. "I support doing all we can so our men and women have the tools they need. If that means we have to vote in favor of a tax, I can support that because we have to take care of our citizens and make sure our own people have the tools they need."

During the last city council meeting when the tax increase was rejected, Gregory suggested the idea of raising the sales tax by half a percent to generate new revenue to fund economic development such as Airbus improvements and replace aging squad cars.

It doesn’t appear that idea will muster enough support either.

Council members Fred Richardson and Jermaine Burrell said they do not support raising the sales tax by half a percent.

Councilmember John Williams voted against the sales tax increase and said his position has not changed.

Now, the fight might not be over whether the tax is needed, but how much.

Either way, Fred Dixon doesn't have a problem.

"I don't have a problem raising taxes, it will help us all," said Dixon.

Click here to read our special report on the Mobile City Budget.