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Village to assess tax vote fallout

A village of Waynesville employee tries Friday, Nov. 6, to repair a chipper that hasn’t been used since last year. Village Manager Bruce Snell said street maintenance items could be on the chopping block since voters rejected a proposed 1 percent income tax last week.

Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli A village of Waynesville employee tries Friday, Nov. 6, to repair a chipper that hasn’t been used since last year. Village Manager Bruce Snell said street maintenance items could be on the chopping block since voters rejected a proposed 1 percent income tax last week.

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By Marie Rossiter, Staff Writer 1:35 PM Sunday, November 8, 2009

Waynesville leaders will meet this week with state auditor’s officials to discuss the village’s financial future after voters Tuesday, Nov. 3, rejected a 1 percent income tax.

The proposed 1 percent income tax levy, which village officials said was needed to help make up a $340,000 budget deficit, was soundly defeated 69 percent to 31 percent, according to unofficial results from the Warren County Board of Elections.

Mayor Earl Isaacs said state auditors will meet with the council on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to discuss possible cuts in public services.

Village Manager Bruce Snell said street services such as leaf collection have already been affected, and street maintenance items could be on the chopping block.

“We can’t provide services we can’t afford,” Snell said.

The income tax was part of a recovery plan approved by the state’s Financial Planning and Supervision Commission to help Waynesville eliminate its budget deficit as of July 31. The bulk of the deficit comes from police and street maintenance and repair expenses, village officials said.

The village’s general fund will dry up by 2011 without the income tax, according to Snell, who said the combination of the recovery plan and income tax would bring Waynesville out of a declared fiscal emergency by 2011.

By June 2010, the village will be responsible to cover Ohio’s oversight cost, which ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 annually.

The levy’s failure came as a surprise to Snell, who said the result indicates officials need to communicate better with residents about how the tax will be assessed. “I guess it was a little wishful thinking that I thought it would pass easily,” he said. “I think we need to educate the voters on what they will be losing and how it will affect their wallets.”

The council has until Nov. 19 to put the income tax levy on the February 2010 ballot.

Snell expected the council to make a decision during its scheduled Nov. 16 meeting.

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The following was sent this morning,

ON Oct 7, 2009 at 9:15 a Village Employee from the Waynesville Water Department tampered with my previously disconnected water meter, which caused it to begin 'seeping' water, I was home and aware this happened.
I video tapped the meters leak indicator running.

My water was disconnected on Sept 10th at 1:00 after I demanded they reimburse me for the multi family charges for 2 years they have failed to do.
This is a serious matter

Darla Buckland
6:26 AM, 11/17/2009

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I considered these comments all morning, these are comments of about the fraud going on with the water department, which is to blame for the condition of the roads.

Sure those of you who are not affected by this tax are for it, next would be another levy for increased salaries. Its lame to state it doesn't affect me, so I am for it?

"make the cuts" I am sure I could answer your questions. Especially the one about your mother.

PO 824, just walk safe to the post office.
Darla Buckland

Darla Buckland
12:31 PM, 11/16/2009

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The water Department has enough funds to buy property generated each month by overcharging peoples water usage, they have the man power to come and tamper with my shut off meter,strip the connector, and then charge me for usage?

Leave notes on my door suggesting what I should do with the neighbors leaves ?

But they allow water to run for months caving in the sidewalk causing me an injury and missed work.

I hope someone pushes a button at this meeting

darla Buckland
6:18 AM, 11/16/2009

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Because the 1% income tax levy failed, the State of Ohio's Financial Oversight Commission is requiring Waynesville's Village Council to submit a new annual budget to the Commission. Planning for the new budget will begin Monday when the Village Council's Finance Committee meets at 5 p.m. The Public is invited. Those posting comments to this web site are encouraged to attend so that you will better understand the budget problems the Village faces. The meeting is at the Village Building.

Dave Stubbs
9:08 PM, 11/14/2009

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I was just informed it is against Warren Counties Health code to not have water under pressure, the only county in the State. The moment I have waited 2 years for is going to arrive in about 30 days, they must take me to COURT,, unless I comply.

Comply is not something I will do when I now have what is going to be a interesting case adding the harassment. I encourage all residents read your meters, I am not the only one being ripped off.
Read above,Court here we come.

Darla Buckland
3:50 PM, 11/13/2009

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