Millersburg residents say no to income tax
Millersburg voters turned down a request for new money in the form of a one half of one percent income tax Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The income tax, placed before voters by Millersburg Village Council as a means to offset dwindling tax revenues, failed with 335 votes for and 484 votes against.
Mayor Jeff Huebner said council will discuss a further attempt for new money at its next meeting Nov. 14.
“I believe we will be back in March,” Huebner said. “The voters have failed this income tax but it doesn’t change the financial need for the village.”
The income tax would have raised an estimated $500,000 per year for the village. The village currently has a one percent income tax paid on all wages earned in the village or wages earned outside the village by persons residing in the village.
The income tax was aimed at making up for losses in the village general fund brought on by the phasing out of the tangible personal property tax. So far this year, the village has laid off two street department employees as a way to find $150,000 in savings. Those savings will take care of the village through April 2012, Karen Shaffer, clerk/treasurer, said. After April, more cuts will almost certainly be necessary.
“We’re definitely going to be looking at more cuts,” Shaffer said. “Where will be council’s decision. You can suggest things, but that’s their ultimate decision.”
Turnout was approximately 44 percent of registered voters, including early voting and ballots cast Nov. 8. Huebner, who canvassed the village with other officials, employees and a village resident to round up support for the income tax prior to the election, said the turnout was “disappointing.”
“The feedback I received was all positive,” Huebner said. “I really feel we got the word out. My biggest concern was, if (residents) had questions, please call and ask. I really don’t know what more we could have done.”
Shaffer threw out snow removal, mosquito spraying and the swimming pool as possible areas where cuts may be found. Huebner and Shaffer said they will take a hard look at the budget before making recommendations to council.
The income tax, placed before voters by Millersburg Village Council as a means to offset dwindling tax revenues, failed with 335 votes for and 484 votes against.
Mayor Jeff Huebner said council will discuss a further attempt for new money at its next meeting Nov. 14.
“I believe we will be back in March,” Huebner said. “The voters have failed this income tax but it doesn’t change the financial need for the village.”
The income tax would have raised an estimated $500,000 per year for the village. The village currently has a one percent income tax paid on all wages earned in the village or wages earned outside the village by persons residing in the village.
The income tax was aimed at making up for losses in the village general fund brought on by the phasing out of the tangible personal property tax. So far this year, the village has laid off two street department employees as a way to find $150,000 in savings. Those savings will take care of the village through April 2012, Karen Shaffer, clerk/treasurer, said. After April, more cuts will almost certainly be necessary.
“We’re definitely going to be looking at more cuts,” Shaffer said. “Where will be council’s decision. You can suggest things, but that’s their ultimate decision.”
Turnout was approximately 44 percent of registered voters, including early voting and ballots cast Nov. 8. Huebner, who canvassed the village with other officials, employees and a village resident to round up support for the income tax prior to the election, said the turnout was “disappointing.”
“The feedback I received was all positive,” Huebner said. “I really feel we got the word out. My biggest concern was, if (residents) had questions, please call and ask. I really don’t know what more we could have done.”
Shaffer threw out snow removal, mosquito spraying and the swimming pool as possible areas where cuts may be found. Huebner and Shaffer said they will take a hard look at the budget before making recommendations to council.
Published: November 8, 2011
