Vernon looks to reduce city tax

VERNON, Ala. (WCBI)- Alabama drivers will soon be seeing a 6 cents a gallon tax hike at the gas pump.

In March, Alabama lawmakers passed a bill to raise the State’s gas tax. And even though the governor signed it into law, not everyone approved.

That included Vernon Mayor Glenn Crawford.

To help residents, he has looked to do something different with the city’s gas tax.

“So, we’re looking at either a 25% or 50% reduction in what we currently charge. The city, where we are at today financially, we don’t feel like, we always like money, but we really don’t have to have that additional money coming in for us to operate. So what we’re doing is we are going to turn around and give it back to the citizens, and the way we are going to do it is decreasing our current gasoline tax which is what the city has a place,” said Mayor Crawford.

He also saw room for cuts in other areas.

“We have a lodging tax, we have an amusement tax, and we have a vending tax. We’re looking at those three, A reduction of those too, so all of this lumped together we think will more than equal the percentage that we are paying or a good percentage of that six-cent tax in Vernon that comes from the state will be offset by what we are giving back,” said Mayor Crawford.

He admitted they may lose money in the beginning, but there could be a pay-off down the road.

“We think with our dedication and our giving back to the people that we will get more people to buy into our shop local program, which will generate more sales tax, which will help offset some of is that we’re giving back, but that’s money that is being re-generated through our city,” said Mayor Crawford.

Residents also hoped the cuts will help the city.

“A good thing I think the mayor is trying to help Vernon grow and I think the council is working with him to do that, so I like that,” said Elaine Moody.

“All these little small stores that come in but they can’t stay because most people won’t shop in Lamar County if they’re going to cut taxes shop Lamar County,” said Mae Edwards.

The official plan will be voted on August 5. If the tax cut is approved, it could go into effect as early as November.