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Waynesville council approves income tax

Waynesville resident Richard Elliott (center) talks Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, about the one-percent income tax the village council passed with a 6-1 vote. Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 and the income tax is projected to raise $178,000 annually, according to village manager Bruce Snell.

Apryl Pilolli Waynesville resident Richard Elliott (center) talks Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, about the one-percent income tax the village council passed with a 6-1 vote. Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 and the income tax is projected to raise $178,000 annually, according to village manager Bruce Snell.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Waynesville residents Gary and Barbara Pelkey listen Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, as the village council passes a one-percent income tax with a 6-1 vote. Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 and the income tax is projected to raise $178,000 annually, according to village manager Bruce Snell.

Apryl Pilolli Waynesville residents Gary and Barbara Pelkey listen Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, as the village council passes a one-percent income tax with a 6-1 vote. Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 and the income tax is projected to raise $178,000 annually, according to village manager Bruce Snell.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Waynesville resident Ed Vacca talks Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, about the one-percent income tax the village council passed with a 6-1 vote. Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 and the income tax is projected to raise $178,000 annually, according to village manager Bruce Snell.

Apryl Pilolli Waynesville resident Ed Vacca talks Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, about the one-percent income tax the village council passed with a 6-1 vote. Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 and the income tax is projected to raise $178,000 annually, according to village manager Bruce Snell.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Waynesville's mayor Earl Isaacs speaks Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, about the village's financial problems. Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 and passed a one-percent income tax that is projected to raise $178,000 annually, according to village manager Bruce Snell.

Apryl Pilolli Waynesville's mayor Earl Isaacs speaks Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, about the village's financial problems. Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 and passed a one-percent income tax that is projected to raise $178,000 annually, according to village manager Bruce Snell.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer Updated 11:46 AM Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Officials here say they’ve cut staffing by 30 percent in the past four years, not purchased a vehicle in the same time frame and not given a raise to any village employee since 2008.

Still the village remains on the brink of financial ruin, forcing council to pass a one-percent income tax with a 6-1 vote Monday, Dec. 21.

Waynesville has been in fiscal emergency since 2008 due to years of over spending and bad record keeping in the early half of the decade, according to village manager Bruce Snell. Snell said the income tax is projected to raise $178,000 annually and will pay for deficits in key areas of the budget, particularly the road and street repair fund.

Without passing the tax, the state recovery plan board could give the state control of the village’s finances.

The five-year tax, which will take effect July 1, 2010, applies to all who work in Waynesville. However, residents will receive a credit if they work in other municipalities that have a tax. Residents who work within Waynesville or areas without a municipal income tax will have to pay the tax. The tax is not applicable to retirement, social security and unemployment benefits.

Waynesville attempted to get voter approval for the tax in November, but the measure was shot down with 68 percent voting against. State law still grants city council the power to institute a one-percent income tax, but the tax could be repealed by a referendum vote of the residents.

Even though previous readings and discussions of the tax have been heated, Monday’s meeting was subdued. Only one resident spoke in relation to the tax, which he was in favor for.

“It doesn’t matter what pocket they take it out of,” said resident Ed Vacca. “When the emotions are over, please realize as residents you still have to pay for the deficit.”

Only Waynesville’s mayor, Earl Isaacs, voted against the tax. Isaacs has staunchly opposed the tax, saying that the people opposed it in November and he cannot go against their will.

At the meeting, Isaacs reiterated this stance.

“I’ve done my best to help, but still it’s not my job,” Isaacs said, stating he believed it was Snell’s job to come up with more cuts.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.

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