Dayton Daily News

The key word is "necessary." Optional programs compete for funds leading to decreased services and increased taxes. When spending outstrips property tax revenue, some politicians seek income-based taxes instead of making hard program choices. First, fund only necessary city services that have strong voter support. Second, no voter should approve an income-based tax unless by law it: provides permanent property tax reductions; caps revenues and spending; can only be modified by voters not politicians.

As population increases, voted revenues remain constant and only inside millage increases. For the city to realize any increase in revenue to support additional services caused by a growth in population it may be necessary to ask the voters to approve an earnings tax that could be accompanied by a reduction of the voted levy millage that now provides approximately seventy-five percent of the budget for Police and approximately seventy-nine percent for streets.

Although some have suggested an earnings tax for Beavercreek, I see this as an obstacle to business, consumer spending, and prosperity in general. Beavercreek is one of the most desirable communities in the Dayton area in part because of no earnings tax. Today's economic climate has forced families worldwide to review their budgets and make hard decisions on which expenses are necessary. It is only reasonable that our community make the same decisions.

The current system of funding (mainly property taxes and fees) is sufficient for the short term. However, for the long-term, this is not a solid approach for funding necessary public services of more than just bare essentials. A best-of-practices long-term view needs to be considered and thoroughly researched that streamlines services while simultaneously balances, coordinates, and diversifies current sources of revenue with new sources of revenue and places them on the table for open discussion.

I would support an earned income tax. This wouild not be a residential tax. This is what was before City Council two years ago, and was pulled before the third reading. This would not tax retirement income. If Beavercreek had an earnings tax, it would not rely so heavily on levies for things such as street maintenance and police protection. It would also help to reduce property taxes, which are very high.

First, belief in our City Manager, Mike Cornell who is doing an exceptional job holding spending and stretching our levy dollars. Secondly a review of the monies Beavercreek receives to determine extending levies. We look towards our City Manager to recommend alternatives, being aware of the many taxes our citizens are already paying in these tough economic times.