Does Portland 'Cost of Living' account for Income Tax?

[Nell Plotts]

Originally Posted by EnricoV

There was a city income tax for a year or two ten years back or so. Can't remember the excuse ... But it's long gone.

Not a city income tax, Multnomah County tried that for a year (maybe two). It was voted out as I recall.

[rhizohm]

Hey AndyAMG,

Peace be with you, amigo! Your post is very helpful-- this is why I was asking the question, not to disregard but rather just to get clarity as to how that could end up being the case. Thanks for explaining!

Originally Posted by AndyAMG

Just taking a look at pay stubs I can tell you I pay 6-7%. 6.7673% last pay period. I live well above the income listed on that MIT site and still only pay 6-7%

The EPA (via the internet) says my car gets 16 MPG CITY and I'm telling you just by measuring gas then tripping the odometer and doing the math. In reality, I'm lucky to break 14MPG ever.

Go ahead and disregard the ACTUAL answer for the advice YOU asked for.

Tell a business owner that 5% savings isn't significant.

Actually, I don't even know why I care. Stay in Seattle.

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

Not a city income tax, Multnomah County tried that for a year (maybe two). It was voted out as I recall.

You're right ...county. Which the city is in. It was two years, and was "temporary" so didn't have to be voted out. It just died on the vine. Now if I could remember what their justification was ...?

[Nell Plotts]

One of the big county issues is that the unincorporated areas they serve are disconnected. East county is contiguous but they also are responsible for areas to the west of Portland beyond the city limits. Think Sauvie Island south. Their valuable tax base is being grabbed by the City of Portland leaving them with low/sq mile property tax base.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think Multnomah County is always working in the most cost effective way but consider for a moment whether or not you think they should cede all of the county land use planning to the City of Portland planners? I think a lot of folks would say 'NO WAY!". Historically the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has been a notch or two above the City of Portland. They required college degrees as far back as the 1960 and the joke was that they were the first social worker on the scene.