Trussville approves one cent sales tax increase

Trussville joins other cities with a 10 cent sales tax. The Trussville city council approved a one cent sales tax increase during their meeting Tuesday night. Trussville Mayor Gene Melton says his city has a number of needs. The tax will generate about $6 million a year depending on the economy.

"One of the most important things on the list is paving our roads. We have neglected paving the county's roads," Mayor Melton said.

UAB marketing professor Bob RoBicheaux says going to 10 cents will not drive away shoppers.

"I don't think that is a significant risk in this case of Trussville. Most of the larger retail pockets around are already at the 10 percent rate." Robicheaux said.

Melton says none of the money will go toward the purchase of a shopping center in downtown.

The city was fighting to keep America's Thrift Store out of downtown, but store CEO Tim Alvis says they are holding off going ahead with a permit process for a few days.

"So I have a lease with the property owner I'm liable for. So if they can't work out anything with the property owner, them I'm going to open a store," Alvis said.

Melton says he should know by Friday if they have a deal to either buy the shopping center, get another store or if America's Thrift Store will be there.

"That's why I told them last night the deal is on life support. I don't believe we will buy the shopping center but that doesn't mean we can't work something out to redevelop downtown," Melton said.

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