Dayton Daily News

Companies are looking to reduce costs in their operations. When businesses see the high tax rates within Montgomery County, they often choose more cost competitive environments to conduct their operations. Butler Township must diversify its business base, market its’ demographic/location assets and engage regional leaders to cut costs and reduce tax burdens on job creators. This approach will bring balanced growth in the township and create a business climate conducive to high-paying employment opportunities.

With property values down and property tax rates up over the last four years, our main revenue stream is depressed. As trustee, I will propose a thorough top to bottom review of the township’s operation to ensure an efficient and fiscally responsible government. I will make smart decisions based on finances and not politics. Finally, I will pursue thousands of dollars in available state grants which have been ignored by the township for years.

Present economies affect all communities, with the loss of GM and NCR, the need is greater than ever for fiscal responsibility from our elected officials. Butler Township has a real need and obligation to better maintain our community. I understand how image affects property values, as a Realtor since 1981 and a nationally Certified Residential Specialist. There is a need to enhance the business districts to provide more opportunities for our residents. Postpone the proposed new government center.

Butler Township has been proactive in the last eight years using all available economic development tools to leverage tax dollars. (JEDD’s, RID’s and TIF’s) In addition, we are working with our State Organization and the State Legislators to write and pass legislation that will enable townships and cities to form a JEDD partnership with a vote of the residents of each community. We work with a small staff and have only hired one new part-time position in the past eight years since I was elected.

The township operates from property tax income. The recent decline in property values will effect the township’s income base. To counter this loss of revenue, the township has developed Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDDS). These districts allow the township to collect income taxes on people who work in the township. Otherwise these same income taxes would be paid to other municipalities.