While I didn't like the idea of increasing the lump sum of $10 out of one paycheck to $52, and yes, I knew that it calculated to $1/week but I thought it was just someone being cute, but it appears that Gettysburg intends to enact the full $52 Emergency and Municipal Services Tax at the $1/week rate. Or at least that's how it sounds.

This is not unlike a income tax, which is more progressive and fair in my opinion, but the ability to split the $52 up puts me at ease.

If someone makes $12,000 or less, a municipality may exempt them from paying the tax. Given that once you drop below $12,000, $52 quickly exceeds a half-percent of income, I would support such exemption. I would wager making the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax a second income tax rate of one quarter of one percent would bring in more money in many places. For example, on $32,000, one quarter of one percent would be $80.

I'd rather have a flat percentage across the board in this case than one flat rate and a wide exemption. Which seems fairer?

Email me at optax@herbriede.com with your comments...