Would a half-cent boost in the sales tax collected in Austin help the flood-fighting effort?.

Wednesday, April 25, 2001

Would a half-cent boost in the sales tax collected in Austin help the flood-fighting effort?

The city has posted a question on its Web site soliciting input from residents as to whether the city should consider the possibility. Likewise, the Austin Daily Herald is soliciting comments from its readers by e-mail (newsroom@austindailyherald.com) or by phone (434-2237) on whether the city should consider the half-cent sales tax.

While the state sales tax rate is 6.5 percent, a half-cent sales tax would boost the rate collected by local merchants to 7 percent.

The approach is a novel idea and one that needs careful study. We’re grateful the city is taking the approach to seeing whether residents are willing to pay an additional half of a percent on their purchases to help control perennial flooding in Austin.

Until a better idea comes along, the city needs to generate all the comments they can on this proposal. If it’s something that meets with minimal resistance and helps alleviate a problem, then it should be pursued. Otherwise, it’s back to the drawing board.