Carbondale Bytelife

In today's Southern, Caleb Hale looks at how the proposed sales tax increase compares with other cities in the region. If the tax goes through, Carbondale's rate would be second highest in the region, beaten out by DuQuoin. He looks at Paducah and Cape Girardeau's rates (6% and 7.5% respectively) but no mention of Carbondale's major trading competitor, Marion.

In the article, City Manager Jeff Doherty has an interesting take on student importance to the economy:

"Obviously the SIU students are a significant part of the economy, but the city of Carbondale is also a regional trade center,"

Would Carbondale be a regional trade center without the students or would we be more the size of Murphysboro?

Labels: business, Carbondale, City council, taxes