The Russell County Fiscal Court held their regular monthly meeting last Monday night with a full agenda on the table but it was an item not on the agenda that sparked the most debate and intensity among the magistrates and Russell Springs resident Kathy Foley.

Foley questioned each of the magistrates, starting with Magistrate Larry Holt, about whether or not they believed the tax was fair and if they had plans to do away with the cap, which is now at a maximum of $800 per year.

“I’m never satisfied when you have to ask people to pay a tax,” Holt said.

Magistrates said there would be no more action on the occupational tax anytime soon and that they did what had to be done in order to keep the county afloat financially with only Magistrate Gary Popplewell saying he may bring the issue back up in a year or so once tax monies begin coming in.

Under the law, which went into effect April 1, anyone earning wages in Russell County will pay a one percent tax on those wages, up to $80,000. Those making more than $80,000 per will also pay a maximum of $800 per year.

Foley has been visible at recent meetings, saying she believes the $800 cap is unfair to those that make less than $80,000 per year. Her argument is that folks with higher incomes should have to pay an equivalent of what those making less than that should.

It appears the matter is settled for now and the payroll tax will sunset in two years, unless action is taken before that time concerning the clause.