Perrysburg City Council approves 1.0 mill replacement levy for city trash service
4/10/2013Perrysburg City Council on Tuesday night approved a 1.0 mill replacement levy for city trash service for the November election ballot, and predicted the levy's millage may be reduced in the future with improved service.
The two-year levy, if renewed, will once again be a two-year levy and provides funding for trash collection to city residents. A $100,000 homeowner currently pays about $100 annually for the levy.
Perrysburg Mayor Nelson Evans said the refuse levy passes every two years. He joked that it got more votes than he did when he ran for mayor unopposed.
Council member Todd Grayson said with the new recycling Toters and service the levy's millage could be reduced in the near future. The new service trucks lower the cost of pickup with less work force needed and reduced labor costs.
"We can't guarantee it, but we have expectations we will be able to reduce the trash levy," Mr. Grayson said. "It will be determined as it goes forth."
Mr. Grayson said if people recycle more, reducing the amount of trash, it would save money.
In other council news:
Maria Ermie announced she will be stepping down as council member at the end of this month because of health reasons. Her last day will be April 30.
"We will miss you and we wish you the best," council member Joe Lawless said. "Hope your health improves."
Mayor Evans said his office has applications for anyone interested in the position. The council will have 30 days to appoint someone.
The council also voted 5-2 in favor of giving the retail shop VCourture a tax exemption of 75 percent for 10 years if it makes "real" property improvements at its new location of 135 W. Indiana Ave., and creates nine full-time and 16 part time jobs.
The business is currently located at 123 West Indiana Ave. and sells men's and women's clothing. VCourture wants to create a luxury lifestyle center, and provide spa, salon/barber services, therapeutic massage, fitness room, and other services to clients. VCourture estimates it will make a $1.25 million investment in the property.
Mr. Lawless and council member Tim McCarthy voted against the exemption.
"When you start doing tax incentives you start favoring one business over others and I think they should compete on an even field," Mr. Lawless said.
The abatement, which will still make them pay mandatory school payments, will begin Jan. 1, 2015 and end on Dec. 31, 2024.
Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com or 419-356-8786 or on Twitter at @mthompson25.