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LISBON -- Village council began looking at next year's budget last week while debating whether having an outside company collect income tax could be a possible way to save money.
Fiscal Officer Tracey Wonner said the department heads helped put together the temporary and annual appropriations for the village. However, the carryover balance will likely be less than $100,000.
Wonner explained to Councilman Pete Wilson there will not be enough to cover both the costs of Town Center Associates revitalization plan and to rewrite the zoning code.
Wonner said she put a 3 percent wage increase for employees into the budget, but it will be up to council to decide if they will increase the wages. She also put in 9 percent more to cover health insurance and increased everything else by 3.5 percent.
She noted the village is currently spending what it is bringing in with little left over.
Wilson questioned if this is a good time to go with the Regional Income Tax Agency, noting he believes it would save money and it will take about six months to get it up and running.
Wonner responded with several reasons she believes collecting their own taxes is better, noting they provide a service where residents with questions can get them answered.
Additionally, she noted by collecting their own tax money, the village can deposit it immediately and have access to it, instead of getting an advance from RITA and then waiting to settle up with RITA at the end of the month. Wonner said the village lives off its income tax collections, using the money to supplement the swimming pool and the street department.
Wilson countered that more Lisbonites are filing their taxes electronically instead of coming to village hall to ask questions. He said if using RITA would save them $5,000 per year that would be $50,000 in 10 years. Wilson also talked about how many towns and cities in Ohio are using RITA's services.
However, Councilman Jerry Cox said he is opposed to the idea, noting Lisbon does not have industry in town to offset the cost.
In other matters:
-- A woman with a young special needs son asked council to be allowed to put up a sign warning drivers on North Market Street of the possibility of her child's presence. While she said they know they must watch him, the child's medical needs causes him to be very impulsive and he is quick. It was determined it will cost $209 for the high definition sign and posts needed due to her home being located on a state route. Council approved the request.
-- Council voted to assign an officer to the county Drug Task Force and accept $20,000 from county commissioners to help cover the cost.
-- The police department also received a grant for bulletproof vests for $9,209 with the costs of the vests for 14 officers coming in at $12,289.
djohnson@mojonews.com