Wednesday, January 05, 2000
License penalty reviewed
Some ignore Campbell fees
BY TERRY FLYNN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ALEXANDRIA — Campbell County Attorney Justin Verst wants to put an end to businesses that ignore the county's occupational license fee, thereby costing the county thousands of dollars in lost revenue each year.
To that end, Mr. Verst will ask county commissioners at tonight's Fiscal Court meeting to approve a change in the occupational license ordinance that would increase fines for violations and include possible jail time.
“I plan to begin filing criminal charges for violators,” Mr. Verst said. “As the ordinance now stands, it would be cheaper for someone to just pay a $250 fine and not worry about complying with the ordinance.”
Under the revised ordinance, failing to pay the occupational license fee would be a Class B misdemeanor. The county could impose a $250 fine for each day of violation and up to 90 days in jail for each day of violation.
“I think this would be more successful in getting people's attention,” Mr. Verst said.
The county attorney and other county officials are looking for ways to increase revenue and find new avenues of funding for the county in light of a budget deficit that could be in excess of $1 million.
People or companies doing business in Campbell County, regardless of where they are based, are required to obtain an occupational license for work performed in the county.
Commissioner Dave Otto said many smaller businesses in the county, as well as businesses such as landscaping and other outdoor seasonal endeavors traveling in and out of the county, often ignore the license fee.
Commissioners also will issue a proclamation tonight calling on all Campbell County citizens to make a special effort to promptly and accurately fill out their 2000 Census forms.
“I think the census is important for a number of reasons,” Mr. Otto said. “We will redistrict this year, and the census figures will have an effect not only on monetary issues but on voting power. It means a lot to everyone in the county.”
He said an accurate census will also dispel rumors that have persisted since the 1990 Census — when Campbell County's population was listed at 87,111 — that the county is shrinking.
“The population is increasing, not declining,” Mr. Otto said.
City workers renew bias claims
4 hospitals overwhelmed, divert patients away
Tornado damage heavy, not deadly
Area recovering from storm drenching
Flynts give up on downtown shop
Police widow waits for death-benefits appeal
Rhodes, Luebbers won't run for commissioner
Settlement reported near in jail death
2 students arrested in bomb report
Killer's sister gets probation for help
Ohio Girls Scouts offer new cookie
Patton address highlights workers
Dems add asterisk to GOP-led Senate
N.Ky. gets prime Senate seat
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Cleveland polishes musical gem
Six weeks of programs marks hall reopening
Theaters only one act in Cleveland rebirth
10 health tips for 2000
Work to make sex fun, doctor tells women
GET TO IT
Santana works his magic with 10 Grammy nominations
Three Cincinnatians honored as arts patrons
Who wants to watch a game show?
25-year-old charged with murder
Bus ad suit renewed
Edgewood schools tap Slone as new treasurer of district
Erlanger police get new office
Fire heavily damages Indian Hill house
Firefighter kicked out of training program
Funeral today for 4 family members
Indiana budgets $1.4M to curb problem gambling
Law: Review of police limited
License penalty reviewed
Mayor bows out as candidate for recreation job
Middletown commissioners select Sennet as chairman
New Y offers options for all
Rec center is a local asset
Schools find little savings after audit
TRISTATE DIGEST
