By Allen Howard
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LOCKLAND- Two proposed tax increases on the Feb. 4 ballot have residents of this village of 4,343 wondering: Why now, and why so much?

Proponents of the tax issues, with the village of Lockland and the Lockland Board of Education, insist the increases are needed. But they're not quite sure how to sell them to the public .

The board is asking for a 24.1-mill levy, which would raise taxes for the owner of a $75,000 house by $560 annually, while the village tax proposal of 8.5 mills would tack on $195 more for the same house.

The 24.1-mill levy would generate $2.5 million in each of the next five years, starting in January 2004. The 8.5-mill levy for the village would generate $504,000 for five years..

Getting both passed is going to be a tough sell, said the Rev. Eugene Campbell, pastor of the Lockland Church of the Nazarene. The Rev. Mr. Campbell said he has pastored the church for 25 years and has a pretty good finger on the pulse of Lockland residents.

"That is a pretty big chunk," said the Rev. Mr. Campbell. "I don't think both of the tax increases will pass in February. I think that is a lot to ask from the residents since the economy is as bad as it is now."

Phil Fox, schools superintendent, said the tax increase is necessary because General Electric Aircraft Engines' inventory tax has fallen by $325,000. In addition, a five-year operating levy that generated $2 million a year expired in December 2001.

"We didn't ask for another levy this year because we wanted to give the residents a break and we didn't expect the shortfall from GE," Mr. Fox said.

Both sides are slightly miffed at the other for placing competing levies on the same ballot.

"I don't see why the board has to ask for that much of an increase, now," Mayor Jim Brown said.

Said Mr. Fox: "It is a shame that both increases are on at the same time. We had discussions on this, but I suppose they are in need just as we are."

He said the board's levy committee will begin a series of meetings soon to inform the public about the need for the increase.

Even though the village of Lockland has been a pioneer in brownfield development, it has fallen on tough times recently, Mr. Brown said.

One of two office buildings on a 15-acre site is still empty and one is three-fourths occupied. The village received $1 million from the state for that project.

The other brownfield development, the former American Tissue Co. site, will not be ready for occupancy for about 10 months, Mr. Brown said. The village received $2 million from the state for that project.

He said he's not sure if the tax increase will be put on the ballot in May if it fails in February.

E-mail ahoward@enquirer.com