City council set to vote on mayor's one percent sales tax increase

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile City Council members are poised to vote on whether to increase the city's sales tax at their next meeting.

At least one member says it is time to vote it up or down and move on. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on approving a budget for the city of Mobile. A budget must be in place by September 30. If not, the city will revert to last year's.  

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones put forth his proposal for a budget last month. It included a tax increase to cover a projected multi-million dollar deficit.

"I think it is necessary to carry us forward and to secure our service level and to maintain our capital projects and economic growth, as we have a great opportunity with Airbus," Jones said.

The prospect of reinstating the sales tax increase, which previously expired, hasn't fared well in the past.

RELATED: Council rejects one percent sales tax increase

City Councilman William Carroll said it's time to decide now and officials need to name a revenue source before approving a budget.

"Vote it up or down and see how much we're going to get or not get. From that, I can see where this budget is going,” Carroll said. “Right now, I have no idea." 

The tax increase needs five votes to pass. Council President Reggie Copeland isn't sure how they would fall.

"Tough call, last time it did not get five votes. Don't know if there will be a change or not," he said.

Copeland said he does support the increase "based on what that audit committee presented to all of us."

The measure hasn't fared well this year. In May, council members Gina Gregory, Bess Rich and John C. Williams voted against the proposed tax increase.

"I voted against the tax increase last time. At this point I have not changed my mind. I am open to considering everything but not increasing the sales tax by a percentage point," said Gregory.

Bess Rich does not support the tax increase either, but she thinks the public should be able to decide.

"I favor the opportunity for citizens to go to polls and vote for increasing their sales tax. I am an advocate of doing it through a referendum," said Rich.

A public hearing is scheduled for September 11 at Government Plaza to discuss the budget. It starts at 10:30, followed by a Finance Committee meeting at 2:30.