Easton Commuter Tax Public Hearing Set for Monday

By Christina Georgiou

A hearing concerning the proposed "commuter tax", which would require those who work but do not live in the City of Easton to pay Earned Income Tax (EIT) is scheduled for Monday, July 16 at 6 p.m. at city hall to take public input on the matter.

The 0.75 percent tax, which seems likely to be approved by council members, is earmarked to help the city pay an estimated $1.7 million shortfall in its pension plan for city workers. If passed, the move is expected to raise $1.35 million.

Additionally, Easton municipal employees would pay 1.75 percent EIT if they do not live within the city limits. The rate is the same as what city residents currently pay.

The proposal has received a number of criticisms from various employers and workers that the EIT would be unfair, with the latest to complain the EIT would be unfair being Northampton County Council, who passed a resolution 8-0 expressing disapproval of the idea Thursday evening.

The matter is expected to come up for vote at the next Easton city council meeting on Wednesday, July 25, and if passed, will be implemented beginning on January 1, 2013.

Update: The date for this meeting has been corrected. It is Monday, July 16 at 6 p.m. (Apologies, it must have been the heat. )