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Hamilton to seek tax hike

Council starts process after accepting fire union’s plan

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By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 8:14 AM Thursday, July 23, 2009

HAMILTON — After approving concessions from the firefighters’ union, City Council took the first step toward putting a tax increase on the November ballot.

Council members unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday night, July 22, to ask the Butler County Auditor’s Office to certify the tax revenue that would be generated from a 6.13-mill levy. Additional votes will be necessary to put such a tax increase on the November ballot.

The city’s cash surplus is currently about $3 million, but is projected to sink to around $1 million by the end of 2009, said Finance Director Bill Moller. Expenditures still outpace revenue and at some point the surplus is going to disappear, Moller added.

Talk of a tax increase came after council members voted 4-3 in favor of the fire union’s offer of concessions.

The contract with the International Association of Firefighters Local 20 will be amended to incorporate various concessions amounting to about $1.1 million that the union offered to help the city reduce costs.

Council’s vote extends the union agreement to the end of 2012, which proved to be a divisive issue for council members.

Councilman Ed Shelton voted for the measure, but stated beforehand that he knew it was the wrong thing to do.

“I don’t think police gave up nearly enough. I don’t think fire gave up nearly enough,” Shelton told the crowd, which included several Hamilton firefighters in uniform sitting in the front row.

Councilwoman Carla Fiehrer, Vice Mayor Pat Moeller and Councilwoman Kathy Becker — who also supported the measure — all said it was the right thing to do at this time. Moeller encouraged both police and fire unions to remain flexible and open-minded as the nation’s economic recession continues.

Councilman Archie Johnson, Mayor Don Ryan and Councilman Jim Noonan all voted against the measure.

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I believe it is necessary to keep the police and fire departments up and running. I believe that the city council should consider making cuts in other areas. If there are no other areas then the next cuts should be made to some higher ups salaries.

Bob
10:47 PM, 7/24/2009

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people are out of work and just hanging on the best we can, so lets raise our taxes and make it even harder. My vote will be - no - Hamilton can not raise taxes... Fire and Police, quit acting like little children and grow up. We have all lost jobs, income and all the nice things that go along with growing market. Please stop acting like spoiled over priveliged children.

Carol
7:01 PM, 7/24/2009

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Hey ridiculous - have you heard of defamation of character?? As an employee of TLC - Ms. Becker has brought the Agency back from the brink of disaster. There is no one more honest. Better be sure she can not get your name because I think she can sue you for your comments on her professional life. A life you apparently do not have.

Susan
10:41 PM, 7/23/2009

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Too bad that the city won't get many tax dollars from thier new levy. People on welfare don't pay taxes. And most people living in Hamilton are on welfare. Maybe the city can sell some of those stupid sculptures to make the budget. Stick a fork in her, this town is done !

Dave
7:06 PM, 7/23/2009

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What differnce does it make what Council member Shelton thought,all that matters is how he voted.Were the uniformed fire fighters at the council meeting to intimidate non back bone council members,then they succeeded.Fiehrer.Moeller,and Becker--didn't they vote for the unmanned cameras at speed zones?They need to go as soon as possible.

kp
5:59 PM, 7/23/2009

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