PORTAGE – The next time a state committee overseeing the village’s money matters meets, the town’s
financial future could be decided.
Wednesday’s meeting of the Financial Planning and Supervision Commission was low-key and brief as it
waits to see the outcome of the May 3 ballot. Voters are being asked to approve a .5-percent income tax
and a 1.6-mill streets levy, both five-year issues.
"I’ve been talking to people and a lot are happy with the renewable part of it (the levy
requests)," said Mayor Mark Wolford.
The village’s infrastructure is suffering without any money to spend on repairs and upkeep, he said.
A sewer on Ohio 25 north of the village is caving in and a "speed bump" has appeared on Walnut
Street due to deterioration, the mayor said.
The streets fund has a $35,247 deficit, while the general fund is in the negative $140,267 and the parks
fund is in the red $2,301.
Portage has been in fiscal emergency with the state since April 2009. The oversight committee has the
final say on council’s financial actions, such as the budget and tax requests.
Member Judy Amend asked how proposed state budget cuts could affect the village.
Belinda Miller, financial supervisor for the state auditor’s office, said Portage has $6,000 budgeted
this year in its local government fund from the state.
Chairman Paul Marshall said the could be cut up to 25 percent a year, but that would not be a lethal hit
to Portage like some big Ohio cities are going to suffer.
If the May 3 taxes are approved, Portage is expected to be out of debt in five years.
The .5 percent income tax will raise approximately $32,000 annually. The 1.6-mill streets levy would
bring in $10,291 a year and cost the owner of a property valued at $100,000 about $160 a year.
A 1 percent income tax on last year’s May ballot failed. Council, without a public vote, enacted a 1
percent income tax in January 2009.
If the tax requests fail next month, it’s expected they will both appear again on the November ballot,
along with a question asking voters if they want Portage to dissolve.
The state oversight committee’s next meeting is July 13 at 6 p.m.