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Local News

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

NEW: Council eliminates residency tax credit
11/4/2008 11:38:28 PM
New Auto Show Feb. 12-14 -Findlay Village Mall
By JOY BROWN

STAFF WRITER

Storm water rates were increased, and a tax credit for residents who work out of town was eliminated by Findlay City Council on Tuesday.

Both measures go into effect Jan. 1.

A six-tier storm water plan, created by the engineer's office and approved by council's Water and Sewer Committee, will require homeowners to pay $1 more, and businesses up to $48 more, per month.

All property owners, regardless of how much storm water they generate or how much property they own, now pay $2 each month, which generates $360,000 annually for the city. The rate structure was first put into place in 2000 with a $1 per month fee, and the first increase was instituted in 2005.

The new fee will generate $740,640 annually to help pay for Ohio Environmental Protection Agency-mandated requirements and capital improvement projects, officials said.

Fourth Ward Councilman Ron Monday, who chairs the committee, previously said the fee was “not generating enough revenue” to cover unfunded state and federal mandates, nor does it bring in enough to pay for improvement projects that would maintain and upgrade the current equipment and services.

The new plan is more equitable because it will force those who generate more storm water runoff to pay more, he said.

Commercial and industrial operations could pay from $10 to $50.

The council also voted to eliminate the half-percent income tax credit that residents who work out of town have enjoyed since 1993. It will give the city about $400,000 annually.

Members discussed the issue at length before voting on it, with most saying they had received complaints from residents who would be affected and who did not understand the measure.

“I hate to do anything as a City Council that deters people from living in our city,” said Third Ward Councilman K.C. Collette.

Although he said he did not disagree with the idea, he requested a “sunset provision” be placed in the ordinance that would allow the credit removal to expire in three years and force council to re-examine the issue.

“I think you're making a terrible mistake here,” said Law Director Dave Hackenberg. “You can sympathize with these people all you want, but they're living here and paying for half a lunch. We're only talking about 800 to 1,000 people. I don't know what the big deal is.”

Only Fifth Ward Councilwoman Deb Seng voted with Collette on a motion to add the sunset provision, and the ordinance to eliminate the tax credit passed with Collette being the only dissenter.

Brown: 419-427-8496,

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4 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
city worker wrote:
why????
“ your all right,,, 1000 votes would change.the out come in the city.
or if they would drop some of the benfits these partimers get like healthcare

 ”
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 12:20:30 PM
JEFF wrote:
CITY TAX
“ I WORK TWO JOBS TO MAKE IT IN TODAY'S ECONOMY. ONE IS OUT OF TOWN. I PAYMORE IN TAXES ON THE COMBINED WAGES THAN SOMEONE THAT MAKES THE SAME AMOUNT WORKING AT 1 JOB IN FINDLAY. IS IT FAIR TO TO TAX ME MORE? I THINK NOT. ”
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 10:46:30 AM
Kimberlie Todd wrote:
Storm Water Fees "Fair?"
“ I am confused by this article, which seems to contradict itself. Can someone explain these two lines from the article:

"All property owners, regardless of how much storm water they generate or how much property they own, now pay $2 each month," and

"The new plan is more equitable because it will force those who generate more storm water runoff to pay more, [Fourth Ward Councilman Ron Monday] said." Which is true?

These statements seem absolutely opposite of each other. Can the council explain their theory of "fairness?" ”
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 10:13:34 AM
Mike Klein wrote:
Half -Percent Tax Credit Elimination
“ I understand that in these tough economic times sacrifices are needed, what I don't understand is the pompous and arrogant attitude exhibited by City Law Director Dave Hackenberg in regards to the half-percent tax credit elimination. In his own words, those of us who reside in Findlay but work elsewhere are only "paying for half a lunch, and what's the big deal, it's only 800-1000 people." Maybe in these budget cutting times, the Law Director position should be scrutinized, I'm sure we could get Moe, Larry Or Shemp to fill the position at a reduced salary! Mike Klein Findlay ”
Wednesday, November 05, 2008 8:54:50 AM
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   LOCAL NEWS
  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
Mark wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
Snow, snow and more snow
“ We should all know by now, it's going to snow, but you know, people still want to go when we all know we better not go. ” Read More...
2/9/2010 2:47:48 PM
tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
Kyle....It's another story
“ This was definately a City of Findlay plow. Just wondering.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 2:45:32 PM
A wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Thank You!
“ I would like to thank all those involved in the city and county who are trying very hard to make the best of a bad storm. Yes,... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 2:36:10 PM
Understanding wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
snow
“ I don't think the woman who complained that "too much snow had been piled at the end of her street, blocking her view" was in th... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 2:28:17 PM
Kyle wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
To Tim
“ It's a very good possibility that a plow with it's blade up was not a City of Findlay plow. Many people have their own plows and... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 1:17:57 PM
SNOW REMOVAL wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
SNOW REMOVAL
“ IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE SNOW REMOVAL CALL MIKE (419) 236-9474...NO NEED TO PICK UP A SHOVEL OR CRANK UP THE SNOWBLOWER... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 12:42:55 PM
HLB wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
That's really sad...
“ You know, people are rude enough most of the time in this city and this last storm when random folks pulled together and I saw t... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 12:32:18 PM
rob wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
pile of snow
“ I cannot believe someone would call up and complain that a pile of snnow was blocking their view. What is this world coming to.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 11:38:49 AM
tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
put the blades down this time
“ Can someone please tell me why I see and saw several snowplows driving down streets that needed plowed with the blades up? ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:39:25 AM
Jimbo wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
To Debbie..
“ I want to express that I understand where you are going with your post, but be practical. If a level 3 is called, that means no... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:35:28 AM
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Beltone Hearing Aids
News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.