YOUNGSTOWN Council tables vote on CIC

Approving an income tax amnesty and rate increase for downtown heat were among notable items.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Council will talk more before voting on whether to dump the city's designated downtown redevelopment agency.
One of the legislation's sponsors, John R. Swierz, D-7th, had the item moved to a second of three readings Wednesday, rather than trying to force a vote.
Several council members asked him for the delay so the issue can be discussed, probably in committee, Swierz said.
"I'll give them that," he said.
He and Ron Sefcik, D-4th, say the Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp. hasn't been effective. They propose moving downtown redevelopment into the city's economic development office.
Other topics: Other notable items at the special meeting included:
U & raquo;Approving an income tax amnesty. Penalties and fees will be waived for failing to file a return or pay taxes owed from now through Dec. 31. The program could be extended depending on its success.
U & raquo;Approving a 7 percent rate increase for Youngstown Thermal, retroactive to Nov. 1. Thermal provides steam heat and cooling to many downtown buildings. The company had sought a 9 percent increase. Rufus Hudson, D-2nd, voted against.
U & raquo;Rejecting an ordinance transferring $168,900 to CHOICE nonprofit homes. Some council members take issue with the agency's nonunion, out-of-town contractors, Amish workers and the size and quality of the homes. The vote was 5-2, with one abstention.
Hudson and Richard Atkinson, R-3rd, supported the item. Swierz abstained because the company financially supports an event he is involved with.
rgsmith@vindy.com