Tax levies, liquor issues on Allen County ballot
Oct. 18—ALLEN COUNTY — Voters in Elida and Bluffton will determine the fate of ballot measures to increase village income tax rates during this year's general election balloting, while decisions on the renewal of an existing levy to fund mental health services and three liquor sales initiatives also await Allen County voters at the polls.
The village of Elida is seeking voter approval of an income tax hike which on paper appears to be a 1.1% increase, but actually is a much smaller measure. While official ballot language indicates the village is seeking a 1.1% increase in the municipal income tax, Village Administrator Dave Metzger said the actual increase amounts to a hike of just .03%.
"We already have a .75% income tax in place. We're asking voters to approve an additional .03% which would bring the total of the village income tax to 1.1%," Metzger said.
The village last saw an income tax increase in 2006.
Village Tax Administrator Sandy Langhals said the additional revenue generated by residents paying the proposed tax hike is estimated to be approximately $170,000 annually. If approved by voters, the new monies are targeted primarily for the village's police and street departments.
Wage increases for members of the police department are necessary, Metzger said, to allow for the retention and attraction of officers needed to provide adequate protection to village residents. Street improvements would also be funded through any increase approved by voters.
"We're done paving (streets) for the time being because we don't have the money to do it," the administrator said. "Our streets are starting to show signs of need and even if the tax hike is approved we're looking at almost two years before we can start collecting" the additional tax monies.
All residents 18 years and older, as well as people employed within the corporation limits, are required to file a village tax return. Retired individuals with no earned income may file an exemption each year.
Village of Bluffton also seeks hike
Voters in Bluffton likewise will be asked to approve an increase in the village income tax, with a revamped and updated emergency medical services department hanging in the balance.
Village officials have placed on the general election ballot a measure asking for a .o4% increase to the village income tax. If approved, Bluffton would impose an income tax of 1.65% from persons living and/or working in the village.
Fiscal Officer Kevin Nickel said the additional revenue would generate approximately $1.1 annually in new money for the village.
Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn said the additional funds are targeted toward safety service departments. He said officials have looked at needs for the next 20 years in the police, fire and EMS and determined a tax hike is necessary to meet those needs.
"We're looking at around $12.5 million that is needed over those 20 years for the three departments. Capital equipment needs for the fire department is one of the biggest needs," Blackburn said.
Voter approval of the latest tax hike would also allow the village to move from a volunteer EMS squad to a "full-time model," according to the administrator.
"The volunteer model is becoming unsustainable," he said.
Blackburn said three public hearings have been held and another meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the town hall to accept input from the community.
Levy would support mental health services
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin counties is seeking voter approval of a .5 mill, 10-year renewal levy for current expenses.
The levy generates approximately $1.7 million annually and amounts to $10 for each $100,000 of taxable value as determined by the county auditor's office.
Voters first adopted the levy in 1985. According to Executive Director Tammie Colon the measure on the ballot this year is one of two levies the mental health board relies on to supplement state and federal funding. The levies account for approximately 48% of the agency's annual $12 million operating budget, allowing the board to identify gaps in behavioral health services in the three counties and assess what specific assistance best meet the needs of clients, Colon said.
The board does not directly provide services but instead contracts with local agencies to fund a wide range of behavioral and mental health care needs, ranging from the Crisis Center and Family Resource Center to Coleman Health Services and Lighthouse Behavioral Solutions.
Liquor options on the ballot
Three ballot initiatives will be decided in Allen County during the general election for the sale of liquor at establishments in Bluffton and Lima. Approval is sought in:
—Bluffton precinct B for the Sunday sale of beer, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor at 1861 Wine Lounge LLC, 115 N. Main St.
—Lima precincts for the the Sunday sales of wine and mixed beverages at Marion Sky Inc., doing business as Bell Clark, 1263 Bellefontaine Ave., and for Beer Barrel Inc., 147 S. Main St.
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