LEGISLATION Council opts to keep tax credit at 1 percent
Now the focus is on educating voters about the 0.5-percent tax increase, the mayor said.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Residents will continue to get credit for up to 1 percent in income taxes they pay by working outside the city.
Council, in special session Monday, approved legislation keeping the city's tax credit at 1 percent, said Mayor Art Magee.
Currently, those who live in Hubbard but work outside the city get the 1-percent credit.
Magee said with the tax credit in place, city officials can now focus on their campaign to place a 0.5-percent increase to the city's 1-percent income tax rate on the November ballot.
If voters approve the request in November, all city residents, including those who work outside the city, would pay the extra half-cent, he said, which would help keep the city financially solvent.
"We want to let the voters know that money won't simply go into the general fund," he said. "There are specific plans for it: First and foremost, building a new jail."
The city's jail has been a problem since mold was found in the structure -- which was originally built in 1870 -- almost two years ago. A study released more than a year ago determined the mold spores were not a health hazard to anyone other than those who have previous health problems.
Rest of the money
Magee said additional money would also be used to pay the city's bills and fund other projects.
He noted as part of council's research into the current legislation to keep the credit the same, several department heads met with legislators to explain how their departments work and what projects are on the horizon.
"All of our department heads need to be commended because they worked hard getting those facts and figures for council to make that decision," Magee said.
Much of that same information will be used to educate voters about the need for the 0.5-percent increase, he added.
"I think we have a really solid base for our campaign now," Magee said.
slshaulis@vindy.com