Slim turnout for Canfield City town hall on income tax increase vote

By ROBERT CONNELLY

rconnelly@vindy.com

CANFIELD

Six residents attended a town-hall meeting on a proposed income-tax increase in front of Canfield voters Aug. 4.

“I’m kind of dismayed we don’t have a room full of people here tonight,” said Joe Warino, Canfield city manager.

Wednesday night’s meeting featured primarily residents Frank Micchia and Anthony Gutierrez questioning various aspects of city financing. Resident Alan Ricks spoke briefly and said the city should focus on economic development for future planning. “We want these services, but I think [the city] needs a plan,” he said.

City residents will vote on a half-percent income-tax increase on the Aug. 4 special- election ballot. The city initiated its 1 percent income tax in 1972, and that brings in $3 million annually.

Warino began the meeting listing services, such as brush and leaf pickup, “that would be the first to go” if additional revenue is not brought into the city.

City officials have said at meetings recently that the vote will determine if services stay as they are or if cuts will be made.

Warino has cited lost money from local government funds, both from the county and state, and the loss of the estate tax as reasons for additional funding. Those three sources combined brought in $525,191 in 2010 compared with $248,482 in 2014.

“We need this regardless” of when the election is, said Councilman John Morvay.