Roll Call: Lynn Love, George Yakoubian, Ed Treft, Louie Sanders, Tim Bulger, Kirk Stanfield Others Present: Village Administrator Greg Martin

 

The Village has invited residents to take part in discussions regarding a 1% income tax. Several attended. Questions/comments/answers are recapped below: Kelly Shock: Will a credit be given to residents paying income taxes in other cities? No. It was also noted that, in general, credits often come into play when an income tax is above 1%. How long will the tax be in effect? Indefinitely, unless something were to change that it’s not needed any longer. Will the credit be on wages paid or taxes paid? No credit planned at this time, but we would find that answer if that changes. Sean Dornan: Will business be taxed on gross income or net? Not 100% but assume net. Paul Jones: Is this being passed by ordinance or vote? Ordinance I think it’s unfair and taxation without representation. Jones also expressed concern about Social Security. Retirement income is not taxed. Tom Holmer: Will I have to file another form 37 if I already file one? Not sure, would file similar to other taxes. Steve Steinmentz: What are you using the money for? Streets, storm drainage, parks/pool, abandoned property. Some discussion about General Fund was had. Tried to clarify that is a term and tax income goes there, because it’s the only one that can give to other funds. Tony Wurm: Stated that in Bloomville, abandoned homes are taken down at no cost then offered to neighboring owners. Wurm doesn’t feel that residents should pay for others’ neglect. If the Village gets some sort of police department, will they enforce other ordinances too? Yes. Is Rural Water taking over the debt for water operations and will it lower water rates? Water operations would go for the actual entire value not just debt, and water rates would be set by buyer. The Village is looking into options to find out what would be best for residents. What is all this discussion about junk day and is it going to happen? We are trying to get quotes and see if we can plan it. What about the pool opening; will there be lifeguards next year? This lead to some discussion on park levies and how the hope was that the income tax would phase the levies out. Wurm thinks this is just poor timing with everything that’s happened in 2020 and can’t believe Council would put a tax on this year. Scott Dorris: Supports the tax and noted that if people had issues with a certain person in the police department, they should have come to a meeting to discuss not just vote out the whole department. Scott Wise: Thanked Council for the opportunity to be present and ask questions. Would a credit ever be considered? Things can change down the road, but not right now. It would really take away the effects of the income tax and wouldn’t be able to meet the goals for the income or do as much good for the community. Angela Williams: Expressed that she feels it’s unfair and that Council is going to move forward regardless of how residents feel. Justin VanAlstine: How will the tax be collected? Do you have to make payments? It will be collected and remitted by employers through payroll taxes, individual payments, and business also file returns and pay on business income. It doesn’t have to be a lump payment at tax time. It was also suggested to have an agenda or visual list of things that Council would like to do with the funds.

 

Question/answer session adjourned at 8:13 PM to start regular meeting.