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NEWTON FALLS -- Village officials, wanting to get input from residents on ideas to possibly bring back the Newton Falls Police Department, hosted a town hall meeting Thursday during which they explained what an income tax issue and a property tax levy would generate.
Finance Director Sean Housley and City Manager Pam Priddy gave a presentation and then answered questions from the more than 30 residents who attended.
"We want to move forward this year to see what we can do to get a police department back if that is what this community wants," Priddy said.
Housley said getting more businesses to locate in the village would bring in more income tax and other revenue to help sustain a police department, but it is hard to attract businesses.
He said 80 percent of income taxes collected are placed in the general fund.
Officials said a 1 percent income tax increase on the ballot, if passed, would generate $852,000 while a 1-mill property tax levy would generate $63,000. To raise $852,000, a 14-mill levy would be needed.
Housley said if the levy were to pass in November, it would take a year for the village to begin seeing the funds.
Housley said Newton Falls' income tax at 1 percent is less than other communities such as Niles, Girard and McDonald, who are all at 2 percent, and Campbell and Ravenna, who are both at 2.5 percent.
Priddy said for council to get an issue on the November ballot, council needs to begin the process now because the deadline for placing an issue on the ballot is Aug. 2.
"That is why we are doing this now to get an idea of what the community wants to see," she said.
Priddy said that, during the pandemic, the village was able to use $260,000 in COVID-19 funds for the police department,
Resident David Garvey said each time the village has tried to get a police levy passed, it has failed.
"Years ago, this town had a lot of industry and business that brought in tax money but now they are gone. There is no tax base anymore. These budget issues have been around for a long time," he said.
Resident Jaime Kline said the levies are failing because of the loss of trust in the administration.
Resident Julie Lemon, who said she supports the police issue because the village charter states there must be a police department, said the levy in November did not get publicized and "was designed to fail."
Resident Anna Eby said she would not support an income tax issue because it is only for the people who work in the village. Housley said the income tax would not affect people on fixed incomes.
"We should not put the cost of the police department just on the residents. There are people who come here and work here that benefit from the police protection as well," he said, noting he believes the income tax increase is the better option.
Housley said for 2023, it is predicted that income tax collections will be between $740,000 and $800,000 and property tax collections at $120,000.
He said as of April, income tax collections are at $280,000, which is up from last year.
Councilman John Baryak said he would never support a property tax levy being on the ballot but he would support an income tax issue.
Resident Jim Zimomra said Lordstown residents approved an income tax issue designated for the fire department and that is what Newton Falls should try with an income tax earmarked only for police.
The village is receiving police protection from the Trumbull County Sheriff's Department at $400,000 annually.
Mayor Ken Kline questioned that since the contract with the sheriff is only for one year, what happens if it needs to be renewed for 2024 and the price increases?
Village council meets again on June 7 when further discussion will take place.