During Monday’s meeting, members of Pomeroy Village Council approved placing the one-quarter of 1 percent increase on the ballot, though the vote was not unanimous. Councilwoman Ruth Spaun and Councilman Vic Young voted against the increase. Councilmen Pete Barnhart, Jim Sisson, George Stewart and Jackie Welker voted for the motion.
The village currently has a 1 percent income tax in place. If passed, the 1-1/4 percent income tax would be paid by those both working and living in Pomeroy who earn income. Only those who live in Pomeroy will get a chance to vote on the ballot issue unlike those who work in the village, pay the tax but live elsewhere. The tax is normally handled through payroll deductions.
Last night, Mayor John Musser said the income tax increase would not affect those who are currently laid off or unemployed.
“It only affects those who are working,” Musser said.
Spaun then asked, “Don’t you think you should consider the working man once in awhile?”
Spaun went on to cite high unemployment as well as increases in utilities and other taxes as reasons why she didn’t vote for the increase. Musser reiterated the increase was only for one-quarter of 1 percent.
The increase is estimated to add $80,000 to Pomeroy’s annual income; income Musser called “sorely needed” back in January of this year when council approved placing the increase on the ballot for the more recent May primary. Due to what Musser called a “timing issue” in filing the paper work, the increase never made it to the May primary. In May 2009 the income tax increase was defeated by 68 percent of the vote.
Council also approved the monthly Mayor’s Report which saw an income of $13,780 in fines and forfeitures collected. There were 62 parking tickets issues; $1,486.05 received from parking meters; $251 received from ticket fines for a grand total of $1,737.05 collected.
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