City Of Washington Modifies Business Tax Ordinances

The City Council of Washington held a special meeting Wednesday dedicated to the passage of modifications to the Mercantile Tax and Business Privilege Tax ordinances. According to Mayor JoJo Burgess, the crux of the changes is to allow stricter enforcement of penalties and more aggressive collection strategies. Burgess did not disclose those details but he reiterated his stance that everyone must pay their fair share of taxes. The ordinances will also see increases in penalty amounts but Burgess had no details on that. He called the tax arrearage significant and pledged to collect all delinquent business related taxes regardless of age. The action was perpetuated by a residential tax increase in Washington for 2025.