Panel discusses potential impact of city income tax on EMU employees, Ypsilanti

A proposed city income tax that will be on the Nov. 6 ballot was the subject of a recent panel discussion in Roosevelt Auditorium.

TO TAX OR NOT TO TAX?: Greg Jones, president of Eastern Michigan University's Student Government, presents comments on a proposed city income tax that will go to the ballot Nov. 6. He is flanked by Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber and Cheryl Farmer, the former mayor of Ypsilanti. Photo by Babs Rambold

Proponents of the tax, bemoaning state budget cuts and the loss of property tax revenues from failed businesses in recent years, say the money is needed to continue the existing level of city services through 2014.

Opponents of the tax say the city of Ypsilanti should find alternatives other than a city income tax to curb its budget woes. Some Eastern Michigan University students even surmised a city income tax might shrink enrollment at the institution.

"The cost of an extra income tax could be a burden to students and could hurt enrollment," Greg Jones, president of EMU Student Government, said before a crowd of approximately 45. "Students may choose to go to Central (Michigan) or Western (Michigan).

Jones said there are more than 1,300 part-time employees at EMU, most of which are students. He added Student Government would take a stance this week on the issue.

"I understand the city needs money," said Alli Sheppard, president of EMU's Residence Hall Association. "But, I don't think students should have to bear the burden of the tax."

Sheppard said state appropriations are down for EMU, too, and has resulted in higher tuition for students. The proposal "punishes" EMU students who are registered to vote in Ypsilanti, she said.

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