Thursday, June 14, 2001
The projected reduction in tax collection is being attributed to loss of industry in the village.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
LOWELLVILLE -- Some budget adjustments must be made soon to compensate for a projected $40,000 shortfall in village income tax collections, James Iudiciani says.
Council's finance committee chairman made the remark at a council meeting Wednesday after Frank C. Filisky, tax commissioner, reported that collections for this year are likely to be about $220,000, compared to about $260,000 last year.
The shortfall is primarily the result of industry leaving the village, Filisky said. The village's annual budget is about $650,000.
Filisky told council he is working to make sure the tax is paid by construction workers on the site of the new $13.2 million school complex adjacent to the high school football field.
He also said he will ask the Ohio Department of Taxation to identify those who might be subject to the village's 11/2 percent income tax.
Solicitor Michael R. Piccirillo said Filisky can pursue collections of village income tax due over the past three years.
Other business: On another matter, Iudiciani said he'd hate to see the existing high school demolished once the new school opens 18 months from now.
The school district has options of giving the building to the village, selling it or demolishing all or part of it.
The state, which is paying most of the cost of the new school construction, would pay for demolition.
Saying the building has a $65,000 annual utility cost and is insured for $5.5 million, Iudiciani suggested the possibility of an additional 1 percent income tax so the old school can be used as a community center.
"Put it on the ballot, and let the people vote," he urged.
Mayor Joseph J. Rossi said he believes operating costs for the building would be at least $100,000 a year.