Millersburg readies income tax for voters in general election
Millersburg Council moved forward on a one-half of one percent income tax Monday July 25, approving it for inclusion on the November general election ballot.
Prior to approving the resolution, Mayor Jeff Huebner fielded questions from a village resident as to why council elected to go with the tax rather than a levy.
Council approved two resolutions. The first increases the rate of the income tax from one percent to one and a half percent. The second places the increase for voter approval in the Nov. 8 general election. The resolution places the income tax well within the August 10 deadline to file issues with the board of elections.
Resident Ryan Hershberger attended Monday’s meeting to get a clear picture on the ideology behind the income tax.
“I guess, I’m a taxpayer (and) sometimes I see people in town who don’t work,” Hershberger said. “I’m working 50 - 60 hours a week and my neighbor who doesn’t work isn’t paying a dime. I’d like to see our government in general have everyone contribute.”
Huebner explained that council decided on the income tax over a renewal levy because the income tax will raise more for the village. Coupled with the current one percent income tax, the income tax will generate an estimated $1.5 million per year, while a replacement levy would generate $265,960.55. Furthermore, Huebner said, the income tax has more potential for revenues that will “grow and sustain the village.”
Hershberger said Huebner answered his question. He declined to say whether he would vote for or against the tax.
“It is what it is,” Hershberger said. “The thinking makes sense, the math adds up.”
The village income tax is collected on earned wages by all persons working or residing in the village.
In other business, council approved bed tax distributions of $1,000 for advertising for Antiques in the Alley and $2,300 for tent rental and additional expenses requested by the Holmes County Antique Festival. Caren Starr, with Antiques in the Alley, said the bed tax dollars will be used to target markets in Canton and Coshocton.
The request by the antique festival is for tent rental for vendor space on the courthouse lawn, said Kevin Brooks, village administrator. The festival has decided to move antique dealer booths to the courthouse from the parking garage off Clinton Street.
Zoning Inspector Nate Troyer said a village resident has offered to pay for removal and replacement of up to six trees in the village. The trees are either downed or dead, Troyer said, and the donations cover costs from removal to new plantings.
The next meeting of Millersburg Village Council will be held August 8, at 7 p.m.
Prior to approving the resolution, Mayor Jeff Huebner fielded questions from a village resident as to why council elected to go with the tax rather than a levy.
Council approved two resolutions. The first increases the rate of the income tax from one percent to one and a half percent. The second places the increase for voter approval in the Nov. 8 general election. The resolution places the income tax well within the August 10 deadline to file issues with the board of elections.
Resident Ryan Hershberger attended Monday’s meeting to get a clear picture on the ideology behind the income tax.
“I guess, I’m a taxpayer (and) sometimes I see people in town who don’t work,” Hershberger said. “I’m working 50 - 60 hours a week and my neighbor who doesn’t work isn’t paying a dime. I’d like to see our government in general have everyone contribute.”
Huebner explained that council decided on the income tax over a renewal levy because the income tax will raise more for the village. Coupled with the current one percent income tax, the income tax will generate an estimated $1.5 million per year, while a replacement levy would generate $265,960.55. Furthermore, Huebner said, the income tax has more potential for revenues that will “grow and sustain the village.”
Hershberger said Huebner answered his question. He declined to say whether he would vote for or against the tax.
“It is what it is,” Hershberger said. “The thinking makes sense, the math adds up.”
The village income tax is collected on earned wages by all persons working or residing in the village.
In other business, council approved bed tax distributions of $1,000 for advertising for Antiques in the Alley and $2,300 for tent rental and additional expenses requested by the Holmes County Antique Festival. Caren Starr, with Antiques in the Alley, said the bed tax dollars will be used to target markets in Canton and Coshocton.
The request by the antique festival is for tent rental for vendor space on the courthouse lawn, said Kevin Brooks, village administrator. The festival has decided to move antique dealer booths to the courthouse from the parking garage off Clinton Street.
Zoning Inspector Nate Troyer said a village resident has offered to pay for removal and replacement of up to six trees in the village. The trees are either downed or dead, Troyer said, and the donations cover costs from removal to new plantings.
The next meeting of Millersburg Village Council will be held August 8, at 7 p.m.
Published: July 25, 2011
