The Gilbert Town Council decided Tuesday night to continue discussing the idea of adopting a 1.5 percent use tax. It would be charged on items purchased outside of Gilbert without a local sales tax imposed but used primarily in the town. These taxes are charged by most other East Valley cities and generally are pursued only on automobiles and other big-ticket items.
Councilman Les Presmyk was the only member who supported following the original schedule of voting on the tax at the Sept. 9 meeting, with other members wanting to wait until they could get feedback from the Chamber of Commerce and the local small business association.
Councilman Steve Urie said he had numerous questions in his mind about how much money a use tax would raise and whether it would have the effect of leveling the playing field between local businesses that do collect sales tax and others that don't. "I would rather have the questions answered first" before deciding whether to pursue the idea, he said.
Under the Gilbert town code, the adoption of any new tax requires the council to first hold a public hearing, then make a copy of the proposed ordinance available as a public record for inspection, then hold a second public hearing before voting on the new policy.
