After discussion and first reading of the ordinance, the council voted 5-1 to move forward with adding 0.25 percent to the local earnings tax, effective Jan. 1.
The reasons cited include the need for money to pay another police officer, pay for road and infrastructure projects and build up a cash reserve to ensure the village avoids going into fiscal emergency again.
“We’re in good shape now. We want to make sure it stays that way,” Councilman Brian Blankenship, the lone vote against the tax increase after the first reading, said on Wednesday.
Councilwoman Joette Dedden said the tax hike was expected to add $180,00-$190,000 a year to village coffers.
“There was plenty of time for people to digest the meaning of it and come forward with any questions. There were none,” Dedden said in an email after the meeting.
Councilman Zack Gallagher said the council approved the tax hike, while understanding the difficult times some residents are going through.
“Council understands that this will be difficult for members of our community. It was not something decided lightly,” Gallagher said in an email Wednesday.
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