MOUNT CARBON - Charitable events sponsored by Goodfellas are no more.
In a Facebook post Sunday, the business announced its decision based on the Borough of Mount Carbon's enactment of an amusement tax.
"Goodfellas regrets to inform our friends that, (due) to the recent adoption of the new Mount Carbon Borough Ordinance, we will no longer be having any more charitable benefits ... ." The post goes on to say the business is sorry for the decision.
Michael Glauda, co-owner of Goodfellas Stage and Entertainment Complex, said Monday he has issues with the way the ordinance about the amusement tax is written.
In a prepared statement, Glauda said, "The way the ordinance reads now, having one person pick and choose who would be exempt from paying the 10 percent tax on a case by case matter from this new ordinance and that cannot produce any federal tax documentation is ridiculous ... Goodfellas and any and all bands willing to donate their time and monies should not have to go through any red tape and ask for any permission. Especially to give it all away. Having Goodfellas being the promoter, and being made to get permission from Mount Carbon Borough to do so, is very degrading to us. It's like the borough is insinuating that Goodfellas would say that we are having a benefit just so we didn't have to pay the amusement tax. If borough officials would amend (the) new ordinance at its next borough council meeting, Goodfellas would have no problem doing any charitable benefits and would get back to helping our community like always."
The council approved the enactment of the tax at its March meeting. It requires 10 percent of the admission charge for applicable amusements be paid to the borough or tax collector for admission charges more than $10.
Admission is defined per the ordinance as "a monetary charge of any character, whether periodic or assessed at regular intervals, including but not limited to contributions, donations, fees, ticket prices or door charges, charged for the privilege of attending or engaging in amusements."
An amusement is defined as "all manner or form of entertainment, diversion, sport, concert, show, event, exhibition, pastime or recreation being held, performed, displayed or available within Mount Carbon Borough ... ."
There are exemptions. Section 5 of Ordinance 2014.2, Section 5, says, "charitable religious, or non-profit organization whose status is either evidenced by proof of federal tax documentation or pre-approved as exempt by borough council following request by the amusement organizer" would be exempt.
Other requirements include obtaining a permit and keeping accurate records.
Glauda said he does not believe he or other businesses should have to get approval to hold a charitable event.
He agreed people will be affected by the business not hosting the events.
"I'm not 100 percent against the borough trying to raise money. I would have no problem paying an amusement tax," he said.
When asked how much, he said possibly 2 to 5 percent. Cost for the tax would be passed on to customers, he said, something he doesn't know if they can afford.
"I would have to raise the ticket price," he said.
The money that the business takes in at the door goes to the charitable causes, Glauda said.
"We want to raise as much money as possible for the victim," he said.
His wife, Deb, also is not too keen on the idea of the tax.
"Why do we need permission of the borough to have a benefit for someone in need?" she said Monday.
She estimated the business held about 10 charitable events last year.
Deb Glauda said she does not like to have to go through the "nonsense" involved with having a charitable event with the new ordinance in place.
Council President Harry Haughey could not be reached for comment.
Mayor Jeff Dunkel said the borough is not out to get anyone. It just wants to raise revenue.
"He's making it seem like it's major hoops for him to jump through," Dunkel said.
The council could vote at its April 8 meeting to designate two people for those who want to have charitable events to talk to, avoiding the need to attend a council meeting, the mayor said.
"They don't have to appear before council. It's a simple phone call," Dunkel said Monday.
The borough estimates the tax could generate $5,000 for the borough.
There are six businesses in the borough: Adelphia Seafood, Mystic Screen Printing, Julian's Tavern, Hatter's Towing, Pottsville Pizzeria and Goodfellas, the mayor said.
"The money is going to be placed in a separate account," he said, adding it could possibly be used for recreation and other purposes.
Dunkel said the post by the establishment is a "business decision."
"Him stopping having benefits would not affect the borough at all," Dunkel said.
He said the decision by the business to not host charitable events is unfortunate.
"We are 100 percent in favor of doing or helping in any way possible," Dunkel said.