Cogen to introduce increase to the Motor Vehicle Tax
The Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners will hear a proposed ordinance change – introduced by Commissioner Jeff Cogen – to increase the current Motor Vehicle Rental Tax (MVRT) from 12.5 percent to 17 percent. The proposed increase is estimated to raise an additional $4.7 million for the County’s General Fund. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
The MVRT has not been raised since 2001 when then Commissioner Serena Cruz y Walsh introduced and the Board approved a 2.5 percent increase. “This is a once in a lifetime financial crisis and it requires bold action from leaders who can make a difference,” said Cogen. “While this doesn’t close our $45 million dollar budget deficit, it is part of a balanced solution that will protect vulnerable populations while not shifting the burden to middle class families in Multnomah County.”
County Chair Ted Wheeler released his budget last week, which included $42 million worth of cuts. The cuts affect many vital services like social services and public safety. Wheeler is supportive of the tax increase.
The proposed MVRT increase, if passed, would affect all car rental locations in Multnomah County. The MVRT law does not affect car share services like ZipCar.
Posted on May 6, 2009
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Comments
(Note: Comments are the views of their authors, and no one else.)
Posted by: Terry Parker - May 6, 2009 02:10 PM
I don’t disagree with the fact Multnomah County has a revenue shortfall, or the concept of increasing taxes and fees to be paid by those visiting Oregon and Multnomah County. My concern however is the amount of the increase and the possible negative impacts it may have on the tourism and the tourist industry. Additionally, any rental car tax needs to be extended to cover both bicycle rentals and ZipCar, which is basically a short term rental car company that like drug dealers, does its business on the streets. ZipCar should not be exempt!
Moreover, to increase revenue for the county, a bicyclist only paid bicycle tax, bicycle license and/or bicycle registration fee needs to be implemented so that freeloading pedal pusher bicyclists start paying their own way. It should be noted the suggestion of a bicycle tax was brought up several times by different people at one of the preliminary budget forums where I was in attendance. It is about time these constituent and citizen reality check views are officially represented and implemented in Portland, Multnomah County and Oregon instead of just having one-sided politicians who view the tax codes as a social engineering tool continually catering to the BTA and other freeloader bicycle groups.
Posted by: Jeff Cogen - May 6, 2009 02:47 PM
We currently have the second lowest taxes on tourists in the entire nation. Even after this increase we will be a low tax tourist destination.
I don't agree with Terry about taxing bicyclists.
Posted by: Terry Parker - May 6, 2009 03:11 PM
Jeff,
In that you disagree with taxing bicyclists, it demonstrates that you only represent the vocal freeloader bicyclists and a minority rather than the majority, often a silent majority, of your constituency on this issue.
Additionally, since no polling or open public and table discussions outside the bicycling community takes place related to a bicycle tax, the fact the majority of your constituents agree with the concept of implementing a bicycle tax can not be disputed!