LEBANON — Ninety days before a landmark vote to increase the city's tax revenues, one council member is questioning whether it's needed.

        Vice Mayor Jim Reinhard wants to delete a Nov.5 ballot initiative that, if approved by voters, would increase the city income tax from 1 percent to 1.5 percent — bringing in an extra $2 million to support community services. Where the windfall would be spent, he says, hasn't been satisfactorily calculated.

        “We want to raise the tax by a half and then tell you next month how we'll spend it,” Mr. Reinhard said at a council work session Tuesday. Council approved the ballot language calling for the tax increase July 11 during a meeting that Mr. Reinhard was unable to attend. “We've gone about the process backward,” he said.

        At council's Aug. 13 meeting, Mr. Reinhard is expected to call for a vote to drop the ballot language and return to the drawing board to discuss means for “belt-tightening” and determine whether extra cash is really necessary. He said few voters would be willing to support the increase as it stands.

        Other members, aligned in support of the ballot initiative, say the money is necessary to support police patrols, parks and recreation, and improvements to storm-water sewers and streets. It would allow the city to finish projects and maintain services while stockpiling contingency funds for an emergency, they said.

        They also say the increase puts the city on par with other localities in Warren County. Those who work outside the city and pay a tax of at least 1.5 percent elsewhere would receive a full credit.

        Council member James Norris said he supports the increase, but admits “nobody is falling all over themselves for a tax increase.” Another member, Norm Dreyer, justified the hike, saying “the city is growing, and the services are increasing.”

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