New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day says tough financial decisions lie ahead for the city following voters’ rejection of a proposed parks and recreation levy last week.
The five-year, 2.4-mill levy would have generated about $1.3 million annually for park maintenance and improvements, while freeing up General Fund money for other city needs, including street paving and police and fire services.
“The defeat of Issue 9 was disappointing but understood. The Ohio Revised Code limits the means cities have to provide citizens and businesses with city services and improvements and the majority is through taxation.”
Speaking to City Council Monday night, Day said the city must now look for other ways to reduce expenses and increase revenue, especially as several financial indicators have raised concerns with the state auditor.
“I remind you that over the past two years vacant postions have not been filled in our fire and police departments and the general services department remains two or three people short, and the health department has cut staff positions to trim its budget.”
Day says rising costs for labor, equipment and materials are making it increasingly difficult to maintain city services without raising taxes.
He told council members that tough decisions are ahead and urged them to talk with residents in their wards and throughout the city to get input on the city’s financial future.
Day has also called on state leaders to find ways to reduce cities’ and schools’ reliance on property taxes.
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