Thoughts and feelings about a proposed payroll tax were poured out by the community during a public hearing earlier this evening.

Thanks for joining us..

I'm chynna greene.

Kezi 9 news reporter tyler jones was in that meeting..

And joins us live in the studio to tell us what was said.

Tyler?

Chynna -- it was a room divided tonight at the downtown public library.

On one hand -- people voiced their support for a tax the city says would bolster essential public services.

On the other hand -- the tone was that a tax on hard working employees isn't the answer.

The payroll tax..

Would bring in about 23 and a half million dollars to the city community safety fund..

According to city officials.

About 65 percent would go to police..

10 percent to fire and emergency services.

15 percent would go to court services.

And, 10 percent would go to homeless services.

One resident at the meeting says "a solution is about to be brought before you.

The need is there and a proposal to help solve the issues is before us.

If you truly believe that this 23 point 6 million dollars payroll tax will make a difference, then i am asking you tonight to vote unanimously and with a real conviction in your hearts."

While people on the other side of the argument..

Say people already strapped for a livable income will suffer.

"oh we're going to tax that more.

We're going to make it harder to get by in this city when there's already so many people living on its' margins.

It simply doesn't make sense to take money from the people who are making the least money so that we can have more police."

City council will take the comments made tonight and use those to help make their decision on the proposed tax..

At a future city council meeting.

Live in