St. Marys, Ohio -
On Monday agenda at Saint Marys city council meeting, a second reading of Ordinances 2012-22 and 2012-23, both of which deal with mandatory municipal income tax for city residents.
At the last council meeting, Councilor Jim Harris became emotional, adamantly voicing his opinions on the ordinances. In a surprise announcement, Council President Dan Hoelscher shared a letter he received from Mayor McGowan, requesting that Ordinance 2012-23 be withdrawn from deliberation and returned for further review and study. Being a small business owner, Councilmen Harris, takes a personal stand on the ordinances.
At tonight's meeting, a lengthy discussion on Ordinance 2012-22, mandating that all residents, and not business owners, to file local taxes. Councilmen Dennis Vossler voiced concerns with having to file a copy of his 10-40, stating the local tax administration had no right to see some of the personal information found on the page.
It was suggested that an amendment be made allowing residents to black out information not required by Joy Bond and others in the tax office. With amendments added, the ordinance was tabled for the next council meeting, when council will read over it with the added amendments.
