Portland raises arts tax, with fewer paying in
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Fewer people will pay the arts tax, but those who do will pay more after city council approved an overhaul of the controversial charge on Wednesday.
Why it matters: The 7-5 vote marks the first major overhaul of one of Portland's most unpopular taxes since voters first approved it in 2012, and the increase was met with opposition by some.
State of play: The tax will now cost $50 per person annually for single filers making more than $20,000, or joint filers making more than $40,000.
- The tax previously stood at $35 annually for those earning more than $1,000 a year.
- The changes will exempt nearly half of Portlanders who previously paid the tax, while keeping the revenue it brought in steady, according to the city.
- It has raised roughly $12 million annually toward funding the arts since 2012.
Yes, but: The overhaul won't do anything about the cumbersome process of actually paying the tax, a longtime frustration for many residents.
The other side: The councilors who voted against the ordinance raised concerns that it still imposes a regressive tax on people who don't make a lot of money.
- And the Portland Metro Chamber threatened to sue the council over the changes, claiming the city doesn't have the authority to change taxes without voter approval, per the Oregonian.
In other Wednesday Council news: The council voted 10-2 to pass a new transportation utility fee — $12 a month per household — to fund road maintenance.
- An ordinance that bans law enforcement officers from wearing masks passed 8-4, though Councilor Steve Novick, who voted in favor, noted "there's a high likelihood that this will get struck down in court."
What we're watching: The council also considered a ban on foie gras, aka "certain force-fed poultry products."
- A number of restaurateurs have argued against the measure, but animal rights advocates pushed for passage, saying force-feeding poultry is akin to animal abuse.
- The ordinance will come up for a vote at the next council meeting.