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Sales tax increasing for Miami County shoppers

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By Nancy Bowman, Staff Writer 5:02 PM Thursday, July 9, 2009

TROY — Miami County shoppers will be digging a bit deeper in their pockets starting Oct. 1 — but not as deep as those in surrounding counties.

The county commission agreed Thursday, July 9, to increase the sales tax by 0.25 percent, bringing the rate to 6.75 percent, and costing the shopper 25 cents more on every $100 spent.

The 6.75 percent rate already is paid in 15 other Ohio counties, while 44 others — including Montgomery County at 7 percent — have higher rates and 28 counties a lower rate.

The three commissioners voted to increase the tax for five years, beginning Oct. 1 and continuing through Sept. 30, 2014.

Money generated will be used to pay for $6.6 million in upgrades at the countywide 911 center, and for the center’s operations.

Thursday’s vote followed the second public hearing on the tax proposal.

Several supporters from county townships, cities and emergency service departments spoke in favor, saying the tax is the fairest way to pay for the center.

The system upgrade is “highly necessary,” said Jon Crusey, city manager in Tipp City.

Jerry Hirt, a Bethel Twp. trustee speaking as a resident of the township, said the new system of radios and towers will allow for better communications between the 911 communications center in Troy and outlying areas of the county, including parts of Bethel Twp.

“It will improve the safety for our residents, and all residents of the county,” Hirt said.

One person asked commissioners at Thursday’s hearing to hold the line on taxes.

“We don’t need any more tax increases, guys,” said Walt Reaster of rural West Milton. “I think you really need to take a good, hard look at ways to finance this.”

Commissioner Ron Widener said the 911 center has saved local jurisdictions hundreds of thousands of dollars that otherwise would have been needed for dispatch operations since the center opened nearly 20 years ago. Equipment, including the radio system, needs to be updated for continued efficient, safe operations, he said.

“It comes down to the safety of firefighters, of individuals in Miami County. This isn’t a big price to pay,” Widener said.

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Ok, first off lets get real about the 1989 computer systems. Lets talk about the 5 or 6, 20 inch lcd monitors per work station, OR THE BRAND NEW CAD system... How about the newer trunking radio systems... Or the BRAND NEW PHONE SYSTEMS....I can keep going...... how about the "contractor" taking care of the 911 centers computers and phone systems, thats a waist of tax payer money, that should be a avail job. All IMPORTANT UPGRADES, RIGHT? Dont pull that pitty card. The facts can come out~!

The Real Deal
3:44 PM, 7/10/2009

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With this tax increase, maybe we can get radios that actually talk to each other instead of a bunch of static. A few more towers would help, but nothing is free-it costs money.......Show me anyone else using the same computers and systems from 1989 when the 911 center was new??

Just like other things, people don't wanna pay for it, until they are affected then they complain that no one was able to help when they needed it. Maybe a county wide fire department?

Joe
9:08 AM, 7/10/2009

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Rino your completely off base here. Karen your point has no validity. The current system is outdated and hard to maintain. The computer you typed your response on,I want you to make it last for 20 years and tell me after 10 how hard it is to get new parts for. That is where we are at with the current system. The system is needed and should be done. Times are tough for everyone and this is the fairest way to pay for it. Unless of course you want to be billed more for police fire or ems services?

Tony
12:36 AM, 7/10/2009

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Go Obama!!! Had to be the first to say it.

Uncle Frank
12:08 AM, 7/10/2009

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I wonder who r-i-n-o wants to call in an emergency? I know when I need help, I call 911. They're there 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. If they need an exta 25cents for every $100 spent, that is a price I am willing to pay. An extra 25cents for a $100 spent for security, to know help is just a call away. It's worth it. From what I understand, this will ensure the safety of me and all other miami co citizens, police, fire, and medics. That's worth an extra 25cents.

Who ya gonna call?
12:03 AM, 7/10/2009

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