Council discusses new ways to increase village revenue
Mineral City Mayor Laurie Green, Fiscal Officer Becky Carpenter and council members discussed ways to raise revenue at their first meeting of 2025 on Jan. 9. Carpenter said when developing a proposed budget for the coming year, all expenses were thoroughly examined.
“I feel we are being financially responsible,” Carpenter said. “I don’t think we’re overspending. The problem is we need revenue.”
Carpenter’s words come on the heels of the same advice from Green during the Sept. 26 council meeting. Green also had noted a shortage of funds is happening in many other communities.
Carpenter said part of the reason for the shortage is the loss of annual tax revenue from the elementary school that was torn down when the new Tusky Valley multi-school campus opened. The school paid taxes to the village of $15,000-$17,000 per year.
Green said she would sign an agreement Jan. 13 with the school district to purchase the empty land for $1 with the hope of using the property to increase revenue through housing or other uses.
Grant funding could help
Council gave Green approval to send a letter to the Tuscarawas Economic Development Corporation stating the village is joining several other municipalities in the county to seek $100,000 in Ready Grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
In the letter the village committed to a $2,500 expenditure, should funding come through, an amount Green called dirt cheap considering what the village stands to gain.
“A grant of $100,000 will get the attention of planners and people that probably wouldn’t come to Mineral City otherwise,” Green said. “It will pay for environmental design to assist with planning a housing development within the village.”
Income tax increase to be sought
Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to place an income tax increase on the May ballot asking for a 0.5% increase after discussing other options. Residents currently pay income tax of 1%.
According to Carpenter, the increase would generate an additional $31,000 per year for the village. She said increasing the tax rate to 1.75% would generate about $50,000 per year, and increasing it to 2% would bring in an additional $69,000 per year.
Council member Beth Nill said there will be opposition from some residents, even for a 0.5% increase. “But people need to know this is not for pay raises or new furniture.”
Green agreed the increase is needed just to cover bills.
In the meantime Carpenter said the village will save approximately $1,400 per month when the old traffic lights come down at the end of January.
Skilled gaming ordinance considered
Council heard the first reading of Ordinance 2025-02 to require owners of skilled gaming facilities in the village to apply for permits. If passed, the legislation will charge owners $25 per game, per year to operate such facilities.
According to Village Solicitor Cassidy Wahlie the village will have discretion to whether or not to approve the permit in whole or to approve it allowing only certain games.
In other matters
Council approved the following:
—Ordinance 2025-01 for permanent appropriations for the budget year 2025.
—The purchase of a new motor for the salt truck’s spinner.
—An expenditure of $160 per hour for a total of $800 to Jeremy Lee to grade the bank at the new park site so it can be mowed in the spring.
Nill reported having contacted Kenstar for prices on a possible village contract for trash pickup, saying the company will need a household count before an estimate can be provided.
It was announced the library’s Queen of Hearts fundraiser will start again in February.
Condolences were expressed to the family of Dennis Hayhurst on his recent passing. Hayhurst was a former Mineral City firefighter.
Mineral City Council meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.