One percent of pay for people who work in Irondale goes to city coffers after the new tax went into effect in May. The Alabama Education Association says the tax puts a strain on Irondale educators, who they say make less than other teachers in Jefferson County. The union says the occupational tax will cost these teachers as much as $500 a year in lost pay. The city is dealing with a more than $50 million in debt, as well as the loss of around $1 million a year in revenue with the departure of the retailer Sam's Club.