Clarkson approves resolution opposing HB 253

Read more at the Grayson County News.

The Clarkson City Commission, during its regular meeting Monday night, approved a resolution opposing a bill filed in the Kentucky General Assembly that would create a state database for the collection of local occupational taxes.

House Bill (HB) 253 — sponsored by state representatives Jared Bauman, R-Louisville; Daniel Fister, R-Versailles; Chad Aull, D-Lexington; Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville; and Rachel Roarx, D-Louisville — would, among other things, require the Office of the State Treasurer to develop and maintain a web-based system for the centralized reporting, collection, and distribution of occupational license fees; establish requirements for the system; allow the State Treasurer to assess a fee on businesses using the system; establish requirements related to the web-based system for the State Treasurer and local taxing jurisdictions; and create a working group to be chaired by the State Treasurer that would provide recommendations on creating a centralized system for modernizing the reporting, collection, and distribution of local business taxes and fees.

The city of Clarkson joined the Kentucky League of Cities and Kentucky Association of Counties in opposing the bill, which, according to Clarkson City Clerk Scotty Gore in an email, “would create a loss of control cities and counties have over their own finances and gives it to the state.”

After discussion, the city commission approved a resolution opposing HB 253. The text of the resolution states that the city of Clarkson “provides clear, transparent, and efficient payment/reporting services to those impacted by occupational license fees/taxes, which is best accomplished at the local level by professionals who have local experience and local knowledge of our communities;” and Clarkson “strongly believes that mandated state or third-party collection of local occupational license taxes and fees would be detrimental, ineffective, and would have a severely adverse effect on the fiscal condition and economic development of the city of Clarkson and all local government entities if mandated by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

At press time Thursday morning, the bill had last been introduced to the House Standing Committee on Appropriations & Revenue.

In other business, the city commission:

• Was informed that the city received the first portion of its Cleaner Water grant funding in the amount of $23,495 for the purchase of new sewer pumps.

• Approved a proclamation naming the week of Feb. 10 through 14 Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinators Appreciation Week.

• Approved a proclamation naming the week of March 2 through 8 NEA’s Read Across America Week.

• Voted to purchase an air compressor for the Clarkson Fire Department’s oxygen tanks at the cost of $8,750.

• Announced that Clarkson’s spring clean-up week will be held April 7 through 10. This will be for only residents who live within the city limits. For more information or to request a pick-up, call Clarkson City Hall.

• Accepted a $1,635 bid for the purchase and installation of a new computer for the Clarkson City Clerk.

• Was informed that the city’s next American Red Cross blood drive will be held on Tuesday, March 4 from noon until 5 p.m. at the Clarkson Community Center.

• Approved the city’s audit report for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023.