Laurels & lances: Furries and taxes
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Laurel: To being popular. Pittsburgh sometimes can seem as defined by its rivalries as by its assets. A good football game can be one in which the visiting team is one of those perpetual enemies like the Cleveland Browns or Baltimore Ravens. Is there a better hockey night than one when the Philadelphia Flyers come to town?
So it’s a little unusual when a group of enthusiasts shows up. That happens every summer, though, and this is the time for it. It’s Anthrocon, everybody.
Anthrocon is the annual gathering of anthropomorphics or “furries” — people who dress up like animals in the kind of fluffy suits you’re more likely to see at a theme park or carnival. Up to 13,000 people are expected, an increase of about 30% over 2022. The economic impact is projected to go up 40%, hitting about $14.5 million.
“It’s such a friendly place. We love coming here. It’s part of our summer routine,” said John “KP” Cole of Orlando, Fla., Anthrocon’s public outreach director.
Aw, thanks, furries. You like us. You really like us!
Lance: To a giant spike. Everyone knows taxes tend to go in one direction: up. But there are increases and then there are the kind of increases Aspinwall is proposing.
The borough is considering a move to generate $38,000 to $48,000 a year. That might make residents nervous, but it isn’t about adjusting the millage rate on property. No, the municipality is looking to hit businesses instead.
About 120 to 150 would be hit with an increase in the borough’s annual business privilege tax, taking it from $100 to $500. That’s a 400% increase in one year.
Maybe for a business with a high regular revenue, that wouldn’t be such a big deal. Aspinwall certainly has banks, insurance companies and shops with enough foot traffic to be unhappy about an extra $400 but who won’t be broken by it.
But the tax is applicable to any business making at least $2,000. For the smallest businesses, this will go from being 5% of their revenue to 25%.
Businesses need to pay their fair share for a municipality’s services and operation. But will such a steep increase discourage the starting of small businesses in Aspinwall? Residents and business owners can discuss that at an Aug. 2 workshop meeting before the expected Aug. 9 adoption.