By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

MONROE - Residents of this small but growing city will vote on a half-percent income tax increase in August.

City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to ask voters to increase the 1 percent income tax to 1.5 percent to fund capital improvement projects and reduce the city's debt.

"City Council has explored all of its options and has concluded that (the increase) is the most prudent method to provide for short- and long-term operational and capital expenses," City Manager William Brock said.

City officials cut capital improvement projects two years ago when they faced a negative fund balance.

"You can't obviously ignore this stuff forever," Brock said. "It needs to be maintained, and we're not maintaining it at the level we need to."

The income tax increase would support widening Ohio 63 east of Interstate 75 and could help restart the city street resurfacing program and development of park space.

If passed, the 0.5 percent increase would affect between 25 percent and 30 percent of the city's 7,133 residents.

Individuals who work in Monroe but live in another community would assume the majority of the increase, Brock said. Also affected are residents who work in a township or in a city that has an income tax of less than 1.5 percent.

"It allows us to collect taxes that would otherwise go to other jurisdictions," said Councilwoman Suzi Rubin.

Scott Gilbert, a resident of Monroe who works in Mason, would have to pay the half-percent increase.

"I think it's too much," Gilbert said. "I don't think the roads are that bad here."

Council took the first step Tuesday to create a tax increment finance district around some 12 subdivisions under construction. Funds collected from the special districts would be used for capital improvement projects.

A public information session will be at 7 p.m. May 19 in the community room at 233 S. Main St.