Mason shall raise funds to pay for safety, fire and EMS services through two revenue sources. First, a continuing real estate tax levy not to exceed 5.0 mills may be imposed on Mason real estate commencing in tax year 2013 for collection beginning in 2014. This levy shall continue until changed by the electors of Mason through an amendment to this charter provision. Second, a not to exceed .0015 tax on income shall be collected by Mason in the same manner as the income tax set forth in section 10.04 of the Charter, with the exception that those who own and live in homes in Mason, and who therefore pay the real estate tax set forth above, shall be exempted from the not to exceed .0015 income tax along with their dependents.
This income tax shall be imposed starting on January 1, 2013 and shall be at a rate of .0012 during calendar year 2013, and cannot be changed except by legislative action receiving an affirmative vote of at least five council members, and can only take effect on January 1 of the calendar year following legislative action, provided that such legislative action takes place at least six months prior to the effective date and shall not exceed .0015.
If any portion of this section is deemed to be unenforceable, only the unenforceable portions of this section shall be deleted and the remainder shall remain in force.
(Added November 6, 2012)