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Residents query council on income tax increase, Timber Run extension
By ROBERT CONNELLY
CANFIELD
Residents inquired about the plans for the Timber Run extension as well as the city putting an income-tax increase on the August ballot at city council’s meeting.
Two residents living on Timber Run Drive raised concerns Wednesday night that echoed the sentiments of their neighbors months ago when council signed off on connecting the developments of Stonebridge in the city and Westbury Park in Canfield Township.
Timber Run Drive comes off Herbert Road, not far from its intersection with state Route 46, while Westbury is an offshoot of Gibson Road, north of where Herbert intersects Route 46.
There had been a temporary 150-foot road with one lane for emergency personnel to use with a gate at the road’s halfway mark. Due to construction on Gibson Road over the Ohio Turnpike, a full two-lane road was built on Timber Run connecting the two subdivisions because the only outlet from the Westbury development was Gibson.
Families on Timber Run on the city side are urging council to install a gate again once the turnpike construction is finished.
“There is a lot of concern in our neighborhood, an overwhelming concern over this access road that has been opened up,” said Louis DeFabio, of Timber Run Drive. “There are a lot of children in this neighborhood. ... What I can tell you is we already have issues with speed, and that’s amazing to me because we’re already a cul-de-sac.”
Brian Laraway, also of Timber Run Drive, said, “My concern lies with the roadway becoming a permanent connection between the two subdivisions. We’re worried about the [condition of the] road, but more important I’m worried about my kids.”
Two other residents questioned the city’s decision to put an 0.5 income-tax increase on the special August ballot. The city’s current income-tax rate is one percent.
Resident Ken Ames questioned, “What have you cut? Where can you save on?”
The city has pointed to money lost from local government funds, both through the state and county, and the loss of the estate tax.
Those three combined brought in $525,191 in 2010 compared with $248,482 in 2014.
“I believe that it’s necessary. We’ve had state funds cut,” said Councilman John Morvay. “It will be up to the voters.”
Anthony Gutierrez also questioned why the city decided to put the issue on the special ballot.
“I’d ask you to strongly consider a revision” and postpone the August ballot, he said.
City officials have estimated the special election will cost about $20,000.
They also have argued the special ballot, with only one issue, will allow for a clear consensus from city residents.