Oregon leaders oppose Gov. Kasich’s tax proposal

Perrysburg, Rossford recently passed similar resolutions

3/18/2017

Kasich

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oregon leaders are the latest from Lucas County to oppose Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s income-tax proposal as part of his 2017-18 budget plan.

City Councilman Jim Seaman, who also serves as chairman of the finance committee, said council is drafting a resolution opposing the governor’s proposal. Perrysburg and Rossford recently passed similar resolutions.

The major hangup in Mr. Kasich’s budget stems from his wish to alter collection of income tax from businesses. Oregon currently receives revenue every two to four weeks. The proposal would see the state collect the funds, then distribute them back to cities on a quarterly basis and levy a 1 percent administrative fee.

“The money they would collect with that fee exceeds what we spend to run our tax department,” Mr. Seaman said. “It’s a tough situation for the cities and villages in Ohio, and especially for us in Oregon.”

Mr. Seaman said the city may be forced to make reductions in the tax department, which could hurt residents who rely on its guidance during tax season.

“Right now, when elderly people or young people new to the work force come up here and don’t understand how to file a tax return, we sit down with them and help them fill out the whole return.”

Mr. Seaman said the 1 percent fee represents about $200,000 for Oregon. He added the city has multiple projects in the works that require a steady cash flow.

The city is using local funds to bury power and cable lines, to plant trees in several residential areas to shield them from industry, and for improvements along Navarre Avenue.

“When they say quarterly, who knows how long they’ll keep it?” Mr. Seaman said. “We can’t let this happen.”

The budget proposal is currently in the Ohio House.

Contact Jay Skebba at: jskebba@theblade.com, 419-376-9414, or on Twitter @JaySkebbaBlade.