The Liberty City Council met in special session Wednesday.
On the agenda was a second reading of an amendment to the Nuisance Ordinance, which passed by unanimous vote.
The council discussed adopting a 1% Occupational, or payroll tax for workers employed in the city limits. Liberty is one of very few cities in the state that doesn't have an occupational tax. Concerns were raised about the affect on lower income employees. Mayor Steven Brown said, based on the current minimum wage, at 40 hours a week, the tax would run around $150 for the year. He also suggested that if the Pension Reform passes, the city of Liberty will have to pay around $70,000 next year and that money will have to come from somewhere. The proceeds from the proposed tax could also fund beautification projects to make our city more appealing. The council approved the first reading.
There was a lengthy debate concerning an ordinance regulating Mobile and Temporary businesses in the city, such as food trucks that are currently allowed to set up in close proximity to similar permanent businesses. Councilman Doug Johnson said several local business owners expressed their support for such an ordinance to restrict mobile vending, and encourage a vested interest in our city and our local economy. There was some opposition. Councilman Andy Lawhorn asserted such an ordinance could possible open the door to problems down the road that might adversely affect permanent businesses. Mayor Brown called for a motion to approve the first reading. Doug Johnson made the motion, however, it died for lack of a second motion.
The council then went into executive session to discuss Property and Personnel issues.
