Sunday, October 30, 2016
Despite cuts, Bazetta needs passage of tax
Since 2011, the State of Ohio has been reducing an $8 billion shortfall by cutting local government funds and eliminating the estate tax, tangible personal property tax and public-utility tax loss reimbursements, which were paid to townships, cities, villages, and schools.
As a result, Bazetta Township’s General Fund has been cut by an average of $227,000 annually. Township administration has been able to weather this financial storm by instituting some innovative cost saving strategies. These include less costly insurance packages and reduced labor and administrative costs by cutting services in administration, zoning, park and cemeteries. Deep cuts have also been made by eliminating road paving projects and major repairs.
Employees have helped to reduce costs by contributing more toward healthcare premiums and paying higher deductibles. The township mechanic was not replaced when he retired – saving the township more than $50,000 each year. Additionally, worn out cemetery and park equipment is not being replaced.
Even with these cost saving measures, by the end of 2016, Bazetta Township’s general fund will have a shortfall of about $27,000. Due to further state funding cuts, if the 1.5-mill levy fails, the budget shortfall increases to $80,000 by the end of 2017.
We cannot take our township or the services it provides for granted. All residents need to educate themselves about our township by going to the township’s website and click on “Upcoming General Fund Information” to make an informed decision.
Bazetta Township is a great place to live and raise a family. Niche.com gives Bazetta Township an A- for schools and a B+ in “Good For Families”.
Your support for the Bazetta Township General Fund 1.5-mill levy on Nov. 8 will ensure the residents of Bazetta that the services we depend upon will continue.
Edward O. Jenkins and Charles Sayers, Bazetta
Jenkins is a retired Howland schools prinicipal, and Sayers is a retired Bazetta police chief.
Bazetta has tax levy and balanced budget
On Nov. 8, Bazetta Township trustees will make their sixth attempt at a tax for the general fund with a 1.5-mill levy.
It should be noted that the fund had an actual cash balance of $316,691 in 2015, a projected balance of $464,133 in 2016 and a projected balance of $405,144 in 2017. The aforementioned balances were affirmed by the trustees and can be confirmed by them or the township fiscal officer.
These surpluses will provide financial solvency for the township through 2018, and possibly 2019.
Finally, the above should not reflect in any manner on the police and fire departments’ budgets, which are responsibly managed by the respective chiefs.
Paul Carlson, Cortland
False accusers hurtful; Trump is real victim
I feel that every time a Republican runs for president, sex or marriage problems have to come up. Mr. Reagan was attacked because he was married two times.
I believe that the Trump tape that was on the shelf was changed and words were put in Trump’s mouth. They had to go out to find women that would lie about Trump.
All these women are hurting the real women that have been hurt.
It’s so sad that the media can’t tell the truth about anything. We need to boycott these stations that won’t tell the truth. Our country is going to hell in a fruit basket. Our country needs help.
Lena Fox, New Middletown