Phoenix Food Tax: Will It Last?

Does the food tax leave a bad taste in your mouth? It's not too late to do something about it. Yesterday, the Phoenix City Council voted 6-3 to approve a two percent tax on groceries, intended to raise an estimated $62 million over two years to preserve the jobs of cops, firefighters, and other city employees...

By Michele Laudig

February 3, 2010

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Does the food tax leave a bad taste in your mouth? It's not too late to do something about it.

Yesterday, the Phoenix City Council voted 6-3 to approve a two percent tax on groceries, intended to raise an estimated $62 million over two years to preserve the jobs of cops, firefighters, and other city employees facing layoffs amid the budget deficit.

When the tax takes effect in April, the only Valley cities where you'll be able to stock your fridge tax-free will be Mesa and Surprise.

But starting a week from today, residents will get a chance to speak up about the tax and a slew of proposed cuts in city services and programs at a series of public budget hearings. You can also leave comments at Phoenix.gov or at 602-262-4800.

Depending on the results of the hearings, the council could reverse the decision in March.

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