Trending
NILES -- The city paid more than $180,000 in bank service charges in 2016 and officials are in the process of switching banks in the hopes of saving some money.
In 2015, the city paid a little more than $73,000 in service charges, according to data provided by the city's fiscal supervisors.
The city's payroll account has been transferred from PNC Bank to Farmers National Bank, Treasurer Janet Rizer-Jones said.
Before completely switching over the general accounts to Farmers from Huntington Bank, Rizer-Jones has been testing out how the bank handles the transactions the city needs to make, she said.
"We are testing everything twice to make sure it runs smoothly. We don't want any issues with the transition. We haven't seen any kinks," Rizer-Jones said.
By March 1, the city should be completely ready to switch, Rizer-Jones said.
While it isn't clear how much money the city will save, Rizer-Jones said she researched several institutions before settling on Farmers.
Fiscal commission member John Davis said cutting the fees at least in half would be ideal.
The department also is preparing to move from its temporary offices in the city's wellness center back to its refurbished offices in the city administration building during the coming week, Rizer-Jones said.
The employees were relocated last year when water leaks and mold forced them out while the city arranged fixes. Now the work is complete, and it's good timing, Rizer-Jones said.
"We are starting to get busy. It'll be good to be back home for tax season," she said.
As the department gears up for the season, Rizer-Jones said it is using a 1.75 percent formula to calculate 2016 income tax bills for most people. Because half the year was taxed at a rate of 1.5 percent and the other half as 2 percent, the 1.75 rate this year makes up the difference, Rizer-Jones said. People who didn't work after June will only have to pay the 1.5 percent rate, she said.
"It is easier for the taxpayer, more simple," Rizer-Jones said.
Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, and municipalities that have undergone rate increases, use the same formula, Rizer-Jones said.
Law Director J. Terrence Dull said during a Thursday fiscal commission meeting that he would check to ensure the method is within code.
So far this year, tax collection is up $220,000 over January last year, Rizer-Jones said. In previous years, the department was riddled with problems -- repeated failures to reconcile the books, uncashed income tax checks sitting in boxes, software issues and employee theft.
Rizer-Jones took over for Bob Swauger in May and is seeking the seat in the May 2 primary.