Councilmember urges exploring 1% occupational tax as sales revenue falls

A Talladega council member on March 9 urged the city to investigate an occupational tax—proposing a 1% levy on workers—to address falling sales tax revenue and retain income generated by people who work inside the city but spend elsewhere. The member said the change would require action by the state legislature and asked the city manager to return with guidance on next steps.

City Attorney noted the usual process: the council would adopt a resolution requesting the local legislative delegation to introduce a bill in the state legislature to authorize such a tax. The council agreed to have the city manager and staff research feasibility and legal process before pursuing formal action.

Council discussion also touched on local economic trends, departures of larger businesses and the need to maintain municipal revenues to cover rising expenses. No formal resolution to pursue a tax was adopted at the meeting; the direction to staff was to report back with options for consideration.