IBM is warning officials in Essex that more jobs could be lost if the town approves a local option sales tax at its town meeting. The company recently laid off workers at its Vermont plant
In a letter to the Essex Selectboard and Essex Junction’s village trustees, site controller David Anger said that if approved, the tax would raise costs for IBM’s construction materials, equipment and office supplies and could affect its ability to maintain employment levels.
Town officials say the 1 percent tax on retail sales, rooms, meals and alcohol could raise about $850,000 annually.
IBM wants Essex officials to withdraw support for the tax.