07.13.09
Dorrian, Ginther field tough tax-hike questions
By KATHLEEN L. RADCLIFF - www.snponline.com
It began as a presentation to Clintonville residents regarding Issue 1 by Columbus Auditor Hugh Dorrian and Councilman Andrew Ginther, followed by a brief question and answer period.

But it went into overtime and overdrive during the Clintonville Area Commission's regular session Thursday, July 9.

"Madame chairwoman, if Auditor Dorrian and Councilman Ginther are willing to stay, they should until all questions are answered," District 6 Representative Paul Harris said.

"This is the most important question to come before us in my 12 years here."

Clintonville resident Terry Casey, a Republican strategist, joined Harris in protesting the shortage of time for questions and answers regarding the the issue. It asks Columbus voters to approve an increase in the city's income tax from 2 to 2.5 percent in a special election Aug. 4.

If the initiative is approved by voters, the rate increase would be about $50 annually for every $10,000 in earned income.

Pensions and Social Security, interest from savings accounts, dividends or capital gains, disability benefits, military pay, income for those under age 18, veterans benefits and 401(k) distributions would be exempt.

"It is not just a half-penny increase -- this is a 25 percent income tax increase," Harris said. "That is a gargantuan increase.

"The entrepreneur who brings jobs to the city, they will spend thousands of dollars. With an income tax increase of 25 percent, you will drive business away like a plague."

"What we're asking for -- if you make $100, we're asking for 50 cents," Dorrian said, adding for the past three or four years, he has been a tax issue advocate.

"Can anybody tell me when there is a good time to ask for a tax increase," he asked rhetorically. "I have no qualms coming to you and asking for an increase."

As he referred to himself as the head bookkeeper, Dorrian said, "Columbus has an excellent check and balance system. The mayor proposes, the council disposes, and my job is to keep track of the money."

"Why didn't people blow the whistle louder and stronger, and why do we need granite pavers along Town Street?" Casey asked.

"Those are funded with capital improvement funds," Dorrian said.

"It seems to me this should have been brought to our attention eight years ago, when people had more money," District 7 Representative Dave Southan said.

Clintonville resident and CAC zoning and variance Co-Chairwoman Sandy Simbro said she recently had to pay for her EMS transport by Columbus fire medics from her residence to Riverside Methodist Hospital.

"I live seven houses from Riverside and my insurance didn't pay it," she said.

"I had to," she said, adding that her household has experienced a 50 percent decrease in income this year.

"As much as I would like to support the city, I can't," she said. "In our household, we went from replacement to preventative maintenance mode. That is what I am asking the city to do."

"We're not just here to ask for more revenue," Ginther said. "We are here to ask for a reform package," as he noted the city staff's civilian work force has been cut by one-third, city employees have paid an additional $6 million into their health care coverage, and the recreation and parks department has been hit hard with a 30 percent reduction.

"I think you need to take a look at the demographics," resident Virginia Sonstad said.

"There are a lot more senior citizens whose income is not being taxed."

One resident suggested a temporary suspension of the city's beautification projects.

"It seems to me, if you're desperate for funds for police and fire, you could delay some of that," she said.

"When you speak to us about this and look at the numbers, you present this as if it's all that the revenues are down," Columbus City Council candidate Matt Ferris said.

"We all know that revenues are down," he said, drawing attention to the spending side of the equation. He noted the city's budget is reflecting a $70 million increase.

"Is anyone in this room spending 11 percent more in their budget?" Ferris asked. "I know I'm certainly not.

"We might disagree," Dorrian said, after more than an hour of questions and answers.

"But, I want you to know, I understand your concerns."

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