Junction, Boyle plan to share info about occupational licenses

JUNCTION CITY — Boyle County and Junction City soon will be allowed to share certain information regarding occupational licenses, if the current exchange of information agreement between the two is approved. 

“I think it would be a good thing,” Junction City Mayor Jim Douglas said.

An occupational license is another term for a payroll tax. To work within Junction City or Boyle County, individuals are required to pay this tax and some are attempting to avoid paying at all, by claiming they already have paid to the city or county. The agreement will allow the two government bodies to seek out and share information regarding these individuals where they were previously unable to do so, cutting down on those who are avoiding paying the necessary fines and fees.

“There is a robust privacy section” to protect the individuals in question, according to William Noelker, city attorney for Junction City.

The Junction City Council passed the measure, which is awaiting approval from the Kentucky Department of Local Government.

In other business:

• Noelker presented several pending cases before the council. These included foreclosure cases, tax and maintenance liens on properties, condemned properties, and the pending appeal regarding the fourth class city lawsuit, which argues that Junction City is not a fourth class city and, therefore, alcohol sales should not be allowed.
• Members approved the first reading of the tax rate for 2012. It remains at 12.6 percent with an additional 10 percent if not paid by Jan. 1. The second reading will be 5 p.m. today at city hall.
• Discussions to buy a truck for the Public Works Department were initiated. Members plan to check on prices of a truck that would be suitable to use with a plow on the front, for the narrow roads that dump trucks have difficulty navigating during the winter months.