Ask voters to approve 1-cent tax on each ounce of sugary drinks
In Plain English
The city wants to create a new business license fee for stores that sell soda, energy drinks, and other beverages with added sugar. If voters approve in November, businesses pay 1 cent for every ounce they sell. A 20-ounce Coke would generate 20 cents in city revenue.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Approve Resolution No. 65-12
5 to 2
Why This Vote Matters
The council voted 5-2 to put a sugar-sweetened beverage tax on the November ballot, with Councilmembers Bates and Boozé dissenting. If voters approve, stores would pay the city 1 cent for every ounce of soda, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages they sell—meaning a 20-ounce Coke would generate 20 cents in city revenue. This tax would create a new funding source for the city while potentially discouraging consumption of sugary drinks. The November election will determine whether this fee actually takes effect.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Community Discussion
This discussion was submitted to the City Clerk as part of the public record.
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