Mayor Changes Sales Tax Position

In the State of the City Speech Sunday, the Mayor expressed opposition to the proposed sales tax (favoring more "cuts" instead), contradicting previous statements he made at finance committee meetings and elsewhere. At the Mar 16th finance meeting, the Mayor said he's concerned "what's going to happen during Summer months" and he's "squeezed his managers" all he can: "they scream every year they don't have enough to pay the bills (at years end)." He also pondered the best way to "get cash back in" the general fund and promoted a 1.5% sales tax vice 2%, "the same as Spanish Fort. . . to keep our level of services." The Mayor also suggested looking at resident Vince Valentin's recent proposal to reduce other taxes/fees (ad valorem, gross receipts, etc.) concurrently-- when the proposed 2% sales tax was enacted. The Mayor was the only candidate (for Mayor) who claimed the City was in good financial condition last Summer.