Canton leaders rescind tax increase

Under pressure from outraged taxpayers, Canton city leaders have rescinded a 19.45-mill schools tax increase they had approved in a special meeting less than 24 hours before.

Canton Mayor Fred Esco, responding to public outcry, recommended that the Board of Aldermen rescind the 4-3 approval vote made Monday and instead approve a lesser tax increase of 7.7 mills for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

The city passed the 19.45-mill increase at the request of the Canton Public School District board to cover a shortfall in tax revenue, Esco said.

Clarion Ledger
9/16/8