Income tax revenue in the city of Benton Harbor is down this year, largely thanks to some layoffs at Whirlpool.
Speaking to the city Personnel and Finance Committee this week, Benton Harbor human resources coordinator Lisa Golliday said the local income tax has been in place since 2018.
“To date, we have processed 412 resident tax returns and 1,478 non-resident tax returns,” Golliday said. “The tax returns are due each year, April 30, and it goes for anyone that lives and or works within the city limits of Benton Harbor. If you live in the city limits of Benton Harbor, it’s 1%. If you do not, it’s a half a percent.”
Golliday said comparing this year so far to last year, income tax revenue is down 962%. She also noted not all returns are yet processed, telling commissioners many people — especially contractors who do work in the city — don’t even know about the city income tax.
Revenue from the tax is intended for infrastructure work around the city with most of it going to street projects and alleys.
