Not everyone is in favor of an amusement tax increase in bethlehemn.

Bethlehem Council again postponed voting on the proposed $1 per ticket amusement tax increase at its Sept. 16 meeting. Bach Choir Executive Director Bridget George and Sands Event Center co-owner Tom Schantz attended the meeting, expressing their opposition to the proposed increase.

George asked that non-profits not be subjected to the same per ticket tax increase as for-profit corporations like the Sands.

Due to the concerns voiced, Council President J. William Reynolds recommend once again tabling the vote, in order to give more time to review the proposition.

Council member Eric Evans explained that in order to correct the city of Bethlehem's 5.9 million dollar budget deficit, "There's going to be a number of unpleasant decisions that have to be made."

Those unpleasant decisions may include the cutting of some city jobs as well as further tax increases.

Mayor Donchez is currently working with city administrators on a new city budget plan to be presented to council in late October or early November.

"I am very grateful to council for unanimously voting to table the discussion until more research is done," George said speaking to the Bethlehem Press after the meeting. "There are many different avenues to balance the budget.

"I would like to see an exemption for non-profits on any amusement tax actually," she continued. "The work we do and services we bring to school districts and citizens at no cost needs to be considered. And there is the possibility that non-profits who bring so much to the city could be hurt by an amusement tax increase."

In other council business

* A contract between the city of Bethlehem and Baraket Concrete to execute curb ramp upgrades in the city was approved.

* A use permit was granted for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce to hold "Doggie Day" on Main Street in Bethlehem on November 2.

* A use permit was granted for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce to hold the "Harvest Festival" on Main Street in Bethlehem October 11.

Council members Karen Dolan and Cathy Reuscher were absent from the Sept. 16 meeting.