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Local News

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

NEW: Council eliminates residency tax credit
11/4/2008 11:38:28 PM
Millstream
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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News Briefs Work scheduled on Findlay streets
Findlay's Main Street, northbound, will be reduced at times to one lane between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for waterline connection.

Main Street will not be accessible from East Lincoln Street. Lincoln Street will be closed to through traffic from South Main Street to South Blanchard Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for continued improvement work. Access to local businesses and residents only will be maintained.

Recount planned in trustee's race
OTTAWA -- After certifying election results on Wednesday, the Putnam County Board of Elections has announced a recount will be required for the Union Township trustee race, according to Deputy Director Shelly Burkhart.

The recount will be completed on Wednesday at the county elections board office, 336 E. Main Street, Ottawa.

Incumbent Daniel R. Ellerbrock has secured his position on the board, earning 685 votes. However the remaining trustee spot will require a recount as Gery P. Wurth earned 598 votes and Mark J. Kahle collected 601 votes, according to official results.

An automatic recount is necessary if the margin is within one-half of 1 percent of total votes cast, according to state law.

Road to be closed
Forest Lake Drive, between Marion Township 237 and Indian Lake Drive/Forest Lane, will be closed today for a pipe installation.

The road is expected to open by 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use Township 242.