UA students who rent houses or apartments in town say they're angry that they may have to pay a 2 percent renters' tax that would help the City of Tucson balance an estimated $1 billion budget.
The Tucson City Council and the city manager will meet tonight at a public forum to discuss the possible renters' tax, which would help the city pay for new services by taxing the roofs over renters' heads.
But students say helping the city out of its financial burden isn't their problem to solve, and it shouldn't cost them more money.
The city council should try and balance the budget by taking money from people who make hundreds of thousands of dollars per year rather than college students and middle-class families who can't afford it, said Bryan Kinney, a media arts junior.
"It's already expensive to rent in Tucson, and since most students live in apartments and are on a very limited income, it seems like it would make it even harder to make ends meet," Kinney said.
Annie Marcus, an undeclared freshman, agreed.
"I think this is ridiculous and unfair," Marcus said. "The majority of people renting apartments and homes are UA students who don't need and who can't afford an additional financial burden, even if it's only 2 percent."
Marcus said UA students already contribute "immensely" to the city's economy, and that the city should look at other means of raising funds before taxing renters.
However, not all council members are in favor of the tax's creation.
Steve Leal, Ward 5 council member, said he believes the new tax could cause financial stress to both students and middle-class families who have a tough time paying their current bills.
"This wouldn't be fair at all to families who would be paying more. It would hurt them severely," Leal said. "Too much of Tucson's money comes from families like these who wouldn't be able to afford even this 2 percent hike."
But some UA students say the tax is a good idea if it increases city services and helps balance the budget.
"As long as I see the funds come back to me in public services, then bring them on," said Nathan Hadder, an astronomy junior.
"The funds produced from this sales tax mainly affect the middle/lower income and university students, so it is only fair that the tax burden is placed on us," Hadder said.
According to the Arizona Multihousing Association, a similar tax was repealed in 1977 after it was found to be unfair.
The public forum will be held at the Tucson Convention Center Ballroom at 5:30 p.m.
There won't be a vote on the matter, but the event is a forum where the community can voice concerns.
Two more public hearings are expected before the city council decides to vote on the measure, said Kathleen Dunbar, Ward 3 council member.
Dunbar said a vote wouldn't come until the end of May.