Recently, the City of Tucson has announced that it is considering a 2% 'Landlords Tax' that is estimated to raise an estimated $3.5 million dollars this fiscal year.

There is stiff opposition to the idea by landlords and tenants who say the tax would hit them hard at a time they can least afford it.  There is a city forum on this at the Tucson Convention Center this Tuesday, January 12th at 5:30PM.

Recently, the City of Tucson announced that major cuts in Police and Fire protection is necessary to balance the current budget deficit.  The "Landlord Tax" surfaced after community the ferocious public outcry when the City Council announced it was considering the public safety cuts.  Tucson's City Manager Mike Letcher has said cuts in Police and Fire cuts may be necessary with or without the 'Landlords Tax'.

The Arizona Multihousing Association has criticized the city manager for casting the tax as a 'false choice' between the tax and police and fire layoffs.

It is estimated that the average Tucsonan would pay about $13 more per month, or $155 dollars per year.  Approximately 45.% percent of the households within the city limits rent.  Landlords already pay full property taxes each year.

A full city council recall has been announced.