Warren income tax revenue drop occurred in 2007, not ’08

Photo

Warren Mayor Michael J. O'Brien

WARREN — As it turns out, the bigger drop in Warren’s income tax revenue occurred in 2007, not in 2008.

When Mayor Michael O’Brien explained the reasons why the city was experiencing so many budgetary woes during the second half of last year, he pointed to the decrease in revenue from income taxes paid by employees at Delphi Packard Electric and other factories that have eliminated jobs in recent years.

He pointed out that Delphi was Warren’s largest source of income tax revenue in 2005 “by a long shot,” providing about $1.3 million, compared to about $180,000 in 2008.

But statistics released by the city in recent days show that income tax revenue in 2008 exceeded expectations, ending up at $18.7 million for the year, almost exactly the same amount as in 2007.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com