Campbell OKs measure to put levy on Nov. ballot

June 17, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By jeanne starmack

CAMPBELL

City voters will be asked to approve a 3.5-mill property-tax levy this November at the polls.

City council passed an ordinance at its meeting Wednesday authorizing the five-year levy for the city’s cash-strapped general fund.

It also passed a resolution directing the Mahoning County Board of Elections to put the levy on the ballot. The deadline for ballot submissions is Aug. 4.

City Finance Director Sherman Miles said the county auditor’s office estimated that the levy will generate $277,000.

The city, plagued by a decline in tax revenues, is facing a cash crunch that could even shut it down if it runs out of money by November.

Council also was considering a 1.5-mill levy for streets but decided against asking for it.

“We thought people would just vote them both down,” said council President William VanSuch.

In other action, council advanced to second reading an ordinance banning manufacturing and selling of guns, gun components, ammunition and explosives in residential areas.

The zoning ordinance is permitted under the Ohio Revised Code.

The city’s first legislation against gun sales in January was citywide, and it was repealed in April as the gun-rights group Ohioans for Concealed Carry filed a lawsuit over it.

City Law Director Mark Kolmacic told council the ban was contrary to state law. The ordinance, backed by the police department, was an attempt to keep gun shops from opening in the city.

Police Chief Gus Sarigianopoulos said he is satisfied with the wording of the new ordinance.

Kolmacic said he is watching for a state Supreme Court decision on a case concerning Cleveland and its rights under home-rule to pass gun bans more stringent that what state law allows.

That ruling is expected in November, he said, and would mean that cities with home rule, such as Campbell, could enact stricter laws.

Third Ward Councilman Joe Mazzocca presented a plaque to his father, Joe Mazzocca Sr., for his service as ward councilman since 1995. Mazzocca Sr. resigned earlier this month.