Hubbard mayor pushes for income tax increase

The mayor's plan also calls for an update of permit, license and other fees.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Mayor Arthur U. Magee asked city council Monday to place a 0.5-percent income tax increase on the November general election ballot.
At the same time, the mayor presented to lawmakers a 50-page strategic plan outlining what the community needs to continue public services.
Council took no action, as Magee asked lawmakers to review the plan before deciding about putting the issue before voters. With voters' OK, the city's income tax would increase to 1.5 percent.
The tax would be coupled with the elimination of tax credits for city residents who work out of town.
The tax increase and elimination of the credits would generate about $900,000 annually, the mayor has said.
Magee explained the tax is needed so his five-year capital improvement plan can begin.
"We're not asking for a lot," Magee said, noting the city has not raised the income tax for nearly 40 years.
The mayor asserted "it would be foolish" for nothing to be done until the city is broke.
Auditor Michael Villano told council that revenue has been flat and the city has an obligation to provide services.
Villano said he doesn't see increased revenue without the tax increase because of the reduction in county, state and federal funding to local communities. If the city is looking to move forward in a positive direction, the added taxes are needed, the auditor said.
In addition to a tax increase, Magee's plan also calls for an update of permit, license and other fees, and promotion of commercial and industrial development in concert with other communities.
To lobby state
He also wants to lobby state legislators, emphasizing the importance of sharing revenue and its importance to providing basic municipal services.
In another matter, Councilman William Williams, D-at-large, asked Law Director Gary Gilmartin to review a contract to decide if the city can get a refund on the broken street sweeper. The city bought the remanufactured sweeper in 2000 for nearly $40,000. It broke down this spring as city sweeping got under way.
There was a one-year guarantee on parts and six months on labor, both of which have long lapsed. Until the city finds out how much it will cost to repair the sweeper, the vendor has given the city a new sweeper to use.
Service Director Al Patrick said he believes it's cheaper to rent a sweeper for $2,000 weekly or $7,000 a month.
Magee called the sweeper "junk" and said the city can't afford such purchases.
yovich@vindy.com