Tomorrow morning is the first hearing for a proposed Multnomah County rental car tax increase. The extra revenue raised by the tax could help patch the $42 million county budget shortfall and potentially save some of the human services that are now at the mercy of the state budget.
An editorial in the current issue of Street Roots supports the tax increase:
The tax will face stiff resistance from the tourism industry, but the reality is that without a sales tax, the rental car tax is one of the only sources of revenue we can create from individuals and families who visit our great city. The increase from 12 to 17 percent still doesn't put Portland in the top 10 around the country for the amount charged to visitors accessing rental cars. It's not a greedy grab by the county, but instead, a smart investment into a sustainable revenue stream for our community.
County Commissioners won't vote on the rental car tax tomorrow, but they will hear public testimony on it and other budget issues. To testify, be there at 9 a.m., sign up with a yellow form at the door and give it to clerk Deb Bogstad.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Meeting is Thursday, May 7, 9 a.m. at the Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, First Floor Commissioners Boardroom.