Although Williamsport has approved a 1964 budget, the proposed occupational privilege tax is still in the study stage.

Receipts from the tax, estimated at $156,000, have been figured into the budget, making its passage virtually certain.

But a mass of legal technicalities that go along with the tax indicate that several more weeks may be needed before an ordinance establishing the $10 can be enacted.

The city solicitor is currently reviewing similar tax ordinances drawn up by other communities. The types of ordinances — and who will be included in the levy — appear to be as numerous as communities that have them.

Some communities include everyone who works within the city limits as being responsible for paying the tax, others such as Reading, exclude everyone 21 years old or less from paying it.

Still other problems need to be resolved is the administration of the tax and whether or not employees working out of the city in branch offices of city establishments should be included.

Also, what payment should be expected from part-time workers and civil service employees, and what about the person who holds two or more jobs in the city?

While city residents dislike taxes, as well as their out-of-town brethren, the latter seem to raise more of a fuss about the occupation tax proposals.

Their gripe is that the tax is unfair in that it is “taxation without representation,” that they are being made to pay for the privilege of working in another community and they already are paying taxes where they live.

In turn, city officials answer that they must provide of services and protections for non-residents as well as their own taxpayers.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.