Local news- Press Release
Delaware Ohio - Cast Your Ballot Make Your Voice Heard on March 19 26 January 2024 ( news )
Delaware , state Ohio ( By Press Release office)
Jan 26,2024
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Delaware residents will have the opportunity to make their voices heard by voting on two ballot issues approved by Delaware City Council . On March 19 — Election Day — polls will be open from 6:30 a . m . to 7:30 p . m .
The first issue on the ballot is is a proposed 5 - year , 0 . 35 percent income tax which is estimated to generate an additional $7 million for the City of Delaware . This increase would not impact retirement income , Social Security , unemployment or disability benefits or military compensation . Residents can find out how the proposal impacts them through the city’s income tax calculator .
The other issue before voters is to make permanent the 0 . 15 percent parks and recreation tax approved in 2008 , with one change: if approved , funds could also go toward general parks , trails and recreation uses , such as new programs and upgrades . Currently , the tax only allows funds to be allocated to park improvements and paying down debt on the recreation center .
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“We have a beautiful city and we want to see it stay this way for many years to come , ” City Manager Tom Homan said . “These funding mechanisms will ensure we’re able to maintain the quality of life that makes Delaware so special while enabling us to make needed improvements to maintain our infrastructure . ”
If both tax proposals pass , revenue generated would be used to reduce the significant backlog of 195 streets in need of repair , maintain alleyways , support Delaware Municipal Court operations , grow local jobs by creating project sites ready for new businesses; and make capital improvements to existing facilities .
In addition , residents would also have new recreation programming and park improvements that improve Delaware and better meet community needs and desires . Sufficient funding would be in place for trails and parks capital projects .
If the levy fails , the City will be greatly limited in its capacity to fund essential services and address pressing community needs . This will have a direct impact on residents’ quality of life , including revenue shortfalls , continued deterioration of roads and public spaces , reduced recreation services and less local business growth . To accommodate the revenue loss , City Council would continue to analyze city expenditures , including potentially reevaluating the feasibility of maintaining the council - authorized income tax credit .
“On March 19 , Delaware residents can cast their ballots , ” Mayor Carolyn Kay Riggle said . “I encourage every resident to make their voice heard by voting on these tax measures . ”
For more information about what’s on the ballot and the impact of the proposed income tax restructuring , visit
delawareohio . net/taxproposal
.
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About the City of Delaware
: The City of Delaware is a vibrant and historic community known for its strong sense of community , award - winning downtown and commitment to sustainable growth . The City of Delaware is an Ohio Magazine Best Hometown and a Money Magazine Top 50 Best Place to Live in America . Learn more at
delawareohio . net
.
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