Through about the first half of 2012, Butler collected more revenue from both the earned income tax and the business privilege tax than the same period in 2011. According to city Treasurer Jeffrey W. Smith, through the first seven months of 2012, Butler’s earned income tax revenue has increased by 13 percent over last year and the city’s business privilege tax revenue is up by more than 10 percent over last year. Through July 31, the city collected $537,410 in earned income tax, compared to $473,928 on the same date last year. Also, the city collected $1.24 million in business privilege tax through July 31, a jump from $1.12 million in business privilege tax on the same date last year. Smith attributed the increased earned income tax revenue to two main factors: Countywide tax collection for all municipalities and school districts through Berkheimer, which was implemented this year, and, Efforts by the city treasurer’s office, begun under former Treasurer Jon Campbell, to add more city residents to the tax rolls who had not been accounted for previously.
