PARCA
Report: One Alabama budget up, one stable at the end of fiscal year 2023
One of Alabama’s budgets is floating on the breeze, while the other is coming back down to Earth, according to a new report from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA). The report said that the state’s General Fund budget was up by 16.6% in fiscal year 2023, which ended on Sept. 30. The […]
The Fee Trap: Why Alabama’s local governments can’t shake fines and charges
When Alabama needs to pay for services, it turns to fees and general charges, or fines and fees in the criminal justice system. Legislators passed almost 60 bills during this spring’s legislative session directing how local governments may raise revenues or spend money. Many generated money for counties, from fundraising events and lodging taxes to […]
Report: Alabama’s Internet sales taxes benefitting rural counties, costing cities
Alabama’s Internet sales taxes have created winners and losers, according to a report released Monday from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA). The report said that the state’s 8% tax on online goods, or the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT), has benefitted rural counties with little commercial activity, but reduced revenues to communities […]