A public forum on the proposed income tax increase for the City of Athens will be held on Tuesday, October 4, at the Athens Public Library.  Mayor Steve Patterson and City Council have put the proposal on the ballot for the general election November 8 as Issue 1. A majority vote will mean the increase on all income earned within the city will go into effect on January 1, 2017.  The present income tax rate is 1.65 percent, and the proposed increase will be .2 percent, raising the rate to 1.85 percent.  The forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Athens County, is scheduled for 6:00-8:00 p.m. (note the earlier starting time). 

Arguments on both sides of an issue are required for all LWV forums.  Mayor Patterson and City Auditor Kathy Hecht will present the case for the tax increase, and Abe Alassaf, vice chair of the Athens County Republican party, will argue against the proposal.  Questions will be taken from the local press and other media as well as from the audience.