Foyil Tax Proposition Aims for Fairness Among Electric Providers

A tax increase on the ballot for the Town of Foyil is really meant to ensure everyone is evenly taxed, according to Mayor William Sylvester.

The town is served by two electric providers, and one currently charges a local sales tax while the other does not.

“It is confusing,” said Mayor Sylvester, “if you're going to tax me, I'm probably going to say no, but since most of the people are already being taxed and others aren't, it's only fair to tax everyone the same.”

The tax on PSO bills is listed as a “Franchise Fee” and is 2% of the cost of electricity, with the money going to the town.

Verdigris Valley does not have the fee. If voters approve the proposition, VVEC customers be taxed the same as PSO customers.

“It is not a new tax, said Sylvester, “PSO customers already pay the franchise tax, Verdigris Valley customers do not. And the whole intent of the proposition is to make that fair for everybody in town.”

Sylvester said Foyil has 169 households and 200 registered voters, with most on PSO service now.

The election will be November 5.