MAINEVILLE — Robert Bowers isn't looking forward to paying a new 1 percent income tax, but he says he understands that the village has “gotta do what (it's) gotta do.”

        Two months ago, Mr. Bowers became the owner of this village's landmark corner-mart, the Maineville Quick Stop. When he stepped in, he didn't know he'd soon be required to share a percentage of his business' income.

Robert Bowers became owner of the Maineville Quick Stop two months ago. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        “Anytime they raise taxes, you aren't happy,” he said.

        Council voted unanimously to impose the tax after voters turned down two levies to pay for police protection by Hamilton Township and business expenses such as the town hall mortgage, utilities and council salaries.

        Those who work, live or operate businesses in the village will be required to pay the tax. However, if a taxpayer also pays income taxes outside of the village, the tax will be reduced to a half-percent.

        There are nearly 1,000 residents and about 350 homes in the 2.5-square-mile Warren County village.

        Council member Russell Burr said the board had run out of options outside of imposing the tax, which is allowed under state law.

        The tax shouldn't be a surprise to villagers, according to Mr. Burr, who said the council brought the possibility of the tax to the community months ago. Village officials wouldn't estimate how much money the tax would bring in.

        “We explained to the citizens before the levies were on the ballot that if they did not pass, our only option was to put the 1 percent income tax on the village,” said Gus Henry Bunnell, a council member.

        Several members of the community, including Steve Goldfinger, who has lived there the past year, were outraged that the council implemented the tax.

        “We didn't have a say about what was going on,” Mr. Goldfinger said. “They don't even know what they are going to do with the money. They didn't do any studies.”

        Mr. Goldfinger said angry villagers didn't want a tax at all, but it would have been more appropriate to start at a quarter or half-percent. Under the tax, someone working and living in Maineville earning $40,000, would pay $400.

        Mr. Bunnell said the council did what was necessary to prevent the village from “folding up.”
       

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