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Leetonia council to consider using tax agency

LEETONIA–Mayor Kevin Siembida is encouraging village council to explore additional savings in its income tax collection.

A meeting is scheduled at 6:45 p.m. prior to the next council meeting Dec. 21 in village hall to discuss hiring the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) for the service instead of doing it in-house, which could save the village $10,000 annually.

According to information provided by Siembida, the earliest effective start date with the agency would be July 1. Rates showing the projected savings are based on information provided by the village, U.S. Census data and RITA history.

According to its website, RITA was formed in 1971 to administer the income tax ordinance of any Ohio municipality that joins the agency through the Regional Council of Governments (RCOG). Although not every Ohio municipality is a RCOG member, currently over 250 Ohio municipalities (approximately 40 percent of Ohio municipalities with an income tax) utilize RITA to handle their municipal income tax collection and enforcement efforts.

In other business, council approved the purchase of three sets of turnout gear at $2,100 each and approved the removal of three trees and trimming of 17 others at the Oakdale Cemetery at a cost not to exceed $4,800.

Council also named Dave Keeler and Sue Buchanan to the Volunteer Firefighters Dependents Fund.

Also at the meeting, Village Administrator Gary Phillips reported the last day for leaf pick up with the Vac Machine is Dec. 16. The street department will continue to pick up bagged leaves after that date.

Phillips also reminded residents that bins behind village hall are for recycling and not garbage. He said there has been an ongoing issue recently with someone placing garbage in the bins, noting it is abuse of a free service.

Additionally, Siembida reported village’s finances will be available to view through the online checkbook on the state treasurer’s office website beginning Dec. 12.

Prior to the council meeting, the Tax Incentive Review Council approved the continuation of both the enterprise zone agreements with Pennex, each for 100 percent abatement with the 25 percent due to the school district paid directly to the district.

The first agreement will expire at the end of this year, and the approval to continue it only means the village will not end it prior to that time. When it expires at the end of this month, it will coincide with a projected increase in tax collection that will be accrued starting in January.

The second agreement is set to expire Dec. 31, 2029, and is currently on pace to meet the requirements stipulated in the agreement.

The Christmas Remembrance of Loved Ones is scheduled for 4 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Oakdale Cemetery Chapel.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at village hall.

khowell@salemnews.net

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