Newark voters may see income tax increase on ballot
Kent Mallett
The proposal would increase the city income tax 0.25 percent, from 1.75 percent to 2 percent.
Sixty percent of the tax money would go to streets; 40 percent to police, fire capital improvements.
NEWARK – Two years after defeating a proposed income tax increase to improve city streets, Newark voters may see a similar request on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
City Council considers legislation Monday night to seek a 0.25 percent increase in the income tax, from 1.75 percent to 2 percent. A 0.15 percent increase was rejected in 2014. The new proposal dedicates 40 percent of the additional tax money to police and fire capital improvement needs, with 60 percent going to road improvements.
In April 2014, Mayor Jeff Hall told council the city needed a 0.25 percent income tax increase, raising an estimated $2.7 million annually, to maintain city streets. At the time, city Engineer Brian Morehead said the city should spend $2.2 million annually to see improvements in city streets.
The mayor could not be reached Friday for comment on the proposed tax increase.
The increase rejected by voters in 2014 would have provided $1.6 million, which is about what would be used for city streets if voters approve the latest request. About $1.1 million would be dedicated for capital improvements in the police and fire departments.
Carol Floyd, D-7th Ward, voted for the 2014 tax proposal and supports this year's ballot issue as well.
"We need to do more paving and need new fire trucks," Floyd said. "There's so much we need we can't afford with the budget we have."
In the past, some Newark voters have said they want streets paved and quality safety forces, but don't favor tax increases. They think the city needs to spend its money more efficiently.
Floyd said there simply is not enough money for all the city's essential needs.
"I read the budget every year," Floyd said. "We study the budget and, I'm sorry, but the money is not there. We have 220 miles of road in this city. Most members of council, most of their complaints are on roads.
"I've been on city council nine years and we have not maintained streets as we should have been able to and it's because we don't have the money."
Doug Marmie, R-6th Ward, cast the lone vote against the 2014 tax proposal and said he will vote against the new version. Marmie was also the only council member voting against the mayor's budget in December.
"There was no budget this year that supported roads whatsoever," Marmie said. "That told me it wasn't a priority for them. We didn't make tough decisions (in the budget). The priority should be first, safety, and infrastructure.
"The only way is to cut services of some kind. Which ones, is something we could discuss. But, it's not even being talked about. They're not willing to cut anything at this point."
Jeff Rath, R-3rd Ward, said he's undecided on the tax increase, reserving his opinion until after he's heard the council debate. Rath voted for it in 2014, but said he has reservations this time and needs to do some research.
"The campaign two years ago was inadequate," Rath said. "I just don't think a whole lot was done. It's not like running a typical political campaign. It's a different type of campaign.
Rath said the city faces two options: raise taxes or cut services. He wants to hear what people want.
"What services are we going to cut?" Rath said. "Come on in and tell us what we're doing wrong. But, we're going to have to take money from somewhere else (to increase spending on roads and safety). Tell us what not to spend money on. I'm willing to listen to that."
Council's Ways and Means Committee will discuss the issue when it meets Monday night in council chambers at the Newark Municipal Building, 40 W. Main St. The Finance Committee meets at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Service and Ways and Means committees.
kmallett@newark
advocate.com
Twitter: @kmallett1958