The Camp Verde Town Council is delaying discussion about a possible implementation of a sales tax on food until Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The town currently charges no tax on food, a practice that differs from neighboring communities.
Several members of the public give input at a meeting in June but council members made no decision on whether to implement a tax, instead hoping to have even more public input.
According to a report from the town’s finance department, a 3 percent tax on food could bring in an estimated $350,000 to $450,000 in additional revenue a year.
“This tax is being sought as a means for providing viable [capital improvement project] support for the town budget,” the report said.
Vice Mayor Jackie Baker asked why the issue was being put forward on a timeline like this.
Town Manager Russ Martin said it was necessary for public discussion and review of a possible tax increase.
“We have to post it 60 days in advance,” Martin said, pointing to the original discussions held a couple of months ago on the issue of a possible food tax.
To read the full story, see the Wednesday, Sept. 10, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.
