Friday, October 01, 1999
Booth indicates he'll back property-tax rollback
BY PHILLIP PINA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati property owners might get a tax break this fall, as a councilman who voted against a tax rollback in June now plans to support it.
Councilman Phil Heimlich has proposed rolling back the 6.1 mills Cincinnati gets for operating purposes to 5.68 mills. But he could muster only four of the five votes needed to pass it in June.
Since then, opposing plans have been proposed and a squabble broke out among the rollback's supporters.
Now, after weeks of consideration, Councilman Paul Booth plans to vote for the rollback. The proposal likely will be considered at Wednesday's meeting.
With an expected increase in Cincinnati property values of about 7 percent next year, the rollback will prevent property owners from seeing a related increase in their property-tax bills. The owner of a $90,000 home in Cincinnati would save about $14 under the rollback.
“The citizens are entitled to receive some of their tax dollars back,” Mr. Booth said.
But whether there are still five votes for Mr. Heimlich's plan is questionable. Councilman Todd Portune, who voted in favor of the plan in June, has offered up an opposing plan along with Councilwoman Jeanette Cissell.
Since that June vote, Mr. Portune got caught in a public squabble with the tax-reform group Coalition Opposed to Additional Taxes and Spending (COAST) which has been pushing for the rollback.
Mr. Portune complained to the Ohio Elections Commission on Sept. 22 that COAST distorted his record on the rollback in a postcard campaign. The elections commission threw out the complaint.
On Thursday, Mr. Portune said he will vote for the plan that most benefits taxpayers.
He and Ms. Cissell have proposed an earnings-tax credit, or refund. Not just property owners, but all city taxpayers would benefit, he said. The credits would total about $2.5 million.
Mayor Roxanne Qualls, not one of the rollback's original supporters, has proposed a plan in which any year the city takes in $3 million or more in revenue than it had expected, half of that money would be returned to property owners in the form of tax credits.
Legal advisers have told council members the Qualls' tax credit would require a change in state law, which would likely delay any tax relief.
Mr. Portune asked that all the proposals be put on the table at the next council meeting. Council members can review each plan, then vote on the one they prefer, he said. He wants to review them all before making his decision.
COAST organizer Tom Brinkman Jr. said Mr. Portune has supported the rollback in the past. How Mr. Portune votes will either make or break the rollback, he said.
The rollback's main supporter, Mr. Heimlich, said only his rollback plan ensures property owners will not see their tax bills increase this year. Without it, city property owners would be paying a total of about $2.2 million more in taxes.
Riverfront plan applauded, but funding needed
Proposals for 'The Banks' as link to downtown
Schools crack down on Pokemon trading
I-71 ramp to 275 to close for weekend
Reds going to town's head
State riding brakes on remedies for Ohio 73
Alzheimer's victim believed dead in Tennessee
Anti-abortion group gives $25K to Winburn
Booth indicates he'll back property-tax rollback
More getting splattered in Ludlow mudslinging
Robber beats store owner with gun
Cincinnati's Century of Change
Internet terrific resource for students
Recommended Web sites for students
Teen finds a second home
Vester moves to Fox News
Brightman's lovely voice can't carry show
GET TO IT
Publishing revelation
Mayor's race clash among titans
Camp Springs ponders becoming city
Covington regroups after low test scores
Ex-jailer guilty of sexual battery on female inmate
Grant Co. backs off biblical posting
Maker pleads guilty in drum explosion
Man hurt as crash ends chase
TRISTATE DIGEST
