Irwin tables proposed amusement tax
Irwin Borough officials this week decided to delay any decision on starting an amusement tax.
Options for the proposed tax, which has stirred controversy, include a levy of 5 percent or a flat 50 cents on the price of tickets sold at entertainment venues in the borough, such as The Lamp Theatre.
The potential tax drew heavy criticism from Lamp supporters, who contend it would hurt the theater’s ability to offer a variety of programming. The renovated Lamp reopened in 2015 after being closed since 2004.
Council discussed the issue during a workshop session this week, but council President Rick Burdelski said the borough shouldn’t make any decision at its March 13 meeting because two members — Ron Romeo and Michael Yunn — were absent from the workshop. The proposed tax has been off council’s agenda since October.
The Lamp attracted about 25,000 patrons last year, according to a recent theater newsletter. If the 5 percent tax had been implemented in 2018, the estimated $572,000 in ticket sales would have generated about $28,600 for the borough. If a 50-cent fee per ticket had been in place, about $12,500 would have been generated for the borough.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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