Story posted Wednesday, January 27, 2010
City To Ask For Tax Hike Again?
By BOBBY CHILVER Journal & Topics Reporter
Mayor Dolly Vole Monday night asked Prospect Hts. city officials to start thinking of tax generating referenda that could potentially be placed on this November's election ballot.
Vole reiterated the city's lack of a solid tax generator during Monday night's city council meeting. Most of the current revenue streams are connected to the economy, which has caused major deficits in the past months.
Last year, the city asked residents to approve a police protection tax to help fund operations but the referendum failed by a solid margin.
Now Vole said the city needs to think of new ways to generate revenue and launch a campaign to educate the residents as to why it is necessary.
"We need to start putting some ideas together, get some information," Vole said.
City Attorney Mike Zimmerman reminded aldermen that any tax referendum question would also have to be accompanied by a PTEL (Property Tax Extension Limitation) referendum to raise the tax cap, much like on last April's ballot. Both questions would have to be approved for any tax to be levied.
City Treasurer Rich Tibbits asked why requesting home rule would not be a possible referendum.
"Personally I believe that all of these things (taxes) don't go far enough," he said.
Vole said that since home rule has been voted down on two occasions, she would not be in favor of another referendum unless it was resident-driven.
Officials have until July to agree on a referendum question. They will likely bring ideas forward in the coming months.
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