Trending
HUBBARD – The city’s mayor noted satisfaction from local leaders and the value of potential income tax collection from the agency as part of why he was considering joining the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA).
Kyle said during caucus ahead of the city council’s regular meeting that he hasn’t had any officials ask him about the city’s future transition to RITA, which nearly 400 cities and villages across the state use and operate as a nontax collection agent to handle local tax administration, collection and enforcement for its member communities.
Five Mahoning County entities utilize RITA for their tax collection – Campbell, Lowellville, Sebring and Youngstown, as well as the Youngstown-Girard Joint Economic Development Zone – as do four Trumbull County communities – Girard, McDonald, Newton Falls and Niles.
Kyle first mentioned the organization during a September caucus, noting that Hubbard is one of the “last holdouts” to join the agency. Kyle said at the time that summer 2027 would be the transition point, so city officials could actively work to notify the public about changes.
“I know I’m for it. I know I’ve spoken with other community leaders and their decisions were never second-guessed after they transitioned over,” Kyle said. “I implore you all to come and talk to (City Auditor) Michael (Villano) or I and ask questions, just so that everybody can be on the same page.”
Kyle said he would like to see the legislation get started this year because officials will have a hard deadline of the middle of 2027, and it’s going to take a lot from the administration to make sure the public is notified and the transition happens.
“I think it’s for the betterment of our community. It puts us in a position to really push things forward,” Kyle said.
Kyle recalled the lone employee they have in the department, reiterating the idea of using her as a “transition point.”
“Once she does retire, then that office would no longer exist, so that goes along with it,” Kyle said. “We’re doing future planning, and this is something that will be very beneficial toward the city, the actual operation and for the residents, making it so much easier.”