By: James Pruitt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The village of Lyons is looking at implementing an income tax and brought in an official from the Regional Income Tax Authority to get more information.
Chuck Hawk talked with the Lyons Village Council last month about the costs and revenues an income tax would bring to the community.
The tax could generate $95,000 based on the 2010 Census, but it would take three to four years to reach that level, he said.
The cost to the village for RITA to administer, collect and pay the taxes each year would be 4.5-5 percent, Hawk said. The agency can help with ordinances and implementation, he said.
The earliest the village could implement an income tax is September, Hawk said.
Mayor Andrea Gleckler told the council of neighboring communities’ income tax rates. Wauseon is 1.5 percent, Delta is 1.35 percent and Swanton is 1.25 percent.
In other news, a blighted property’s fate has been discussed by the council.
The property owned by Mae Perdue was the focus of resident Dan Kovar who pleaded with council to do something. While Kovar doesn’t think the Fulton County Health Department wants to do anything about it, Mayor Gleckler said the department has been talking with the owner and said it would easier to condemn the property since no lives in the house.
Gleckler said she would look into grants for distressed properties. The health department would be invited to a future council meeting to discuss the options.
The village renewed its insurance policy with Beck Insurance after having its premium reduced by $5,000 to $6,700.
Spring Clean-up is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14 behind the fire station.
James Pruitt may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com