In this current climate of uncertainty, it clearly is no time to suggest a tax on the people of Payson. Yet in a council meeting on March 24, 2020, Deborah Barber the Town’s Chief Financial Officer suggested keeping the .12% tax stating, “It’s less than a penny, they’ll never notice.” That statement didn’t make it into the minutes.
The tax was originally appropriated for the Tyler Parkway fire station, was sunset July 31, 2019. The council has tabled the idea for now. Minutes from the March 24th, 2020 Council Meeting read: “Ms. Barber reviewed Future Funding Sources which included new revenue generators, pursuit of a Bond Issue, and a possible voter initiative. Ms. Barber commented the Bond Issue was typical in other communities, but recommended the Town wait and consider it a year from now with a clearly defined project. Ms. Barber explained that the voter initiative would be to reinstate the 0.12% sales tax for public safety which had sunset and noted Council had wanted the voters to decide on it. Ms. Barber commented it was a small percentage not even a penny on a dollar, but generated on average $430,000 per year. Ms. Barber reviewed public safety equipment needs and pointed out it was an ongoing need. Ms. Barber believed the voters would understand and noted there was time to add it to the ballot in November. ★
