As I prepare to finish out the remainder of my three terms in office, I want to reflect on one of the questions I’ve been asked the most: Where do you see Mobile headed?
Generally, my answer is very positive. From economic development to major infrastructure investments and quality of life improvements, Mobile is in a great place and gaining momentum every day. But to sustain that momentum, city leaders must have the necessary resources to continue investing in the things that have propelled our community forward. That is why I believe the current distribution model for Alabama’s Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) is the biggest threat facing our city and the entire state.
The SSUT is a statewide 8 percent tax collected on online sales. These taxes are collected by the state at this flat rate regardless of where the purchase is made — meaning the tax is often higher for Alabamians in rural areas and lower in many cities that depend on sale taxes to operate…