Perrysburg City Council discusses hotel tax increase for police and fire funding

The Perrysburg City Council meeting on February 18, 2025, focused on several key issues, including the approval of meeting minutes, community inquiries regarding garbage levy funding, and a significant proposal to increase the hotel tax.

The meeting began with the council approving the minutes from the previous meeting without objections. Mayor Deborah Bourne then opened the floor for citizen communication, where a resident raised a question about the proposed 10-mill levy for garbage services, suggesting that funding could potentially come from the general fund instead.

In the mayor's report, a motion was made and approved to reappoint Kevin Fuller to the 2025 Team Cog MPO policy board, reflecting the council's ongoing commitment to regional planning and development.

The Finance and Economic Development Committee reported on their recent meeting held on February 11. They discussed updates from Visit Perrysburg, highlighting successful festivals and parades in 2024 and plans for further improvements in 2025. The committee also accepted a $100 donation from Sid Lipshin, honoring former councilman Joe Lawless.

A significant topic was the proposed amendment to the codified ordinance regarding the hotel tax, which aims to increase the rate from 3% to 6%. Committee member Joe Fawcett explained that the additional revenue would support the city's police and fire departments, which are currently at capacity, and aid future economic development. The proposal is set to be forwarded to the city council for further consideration.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's focus on community engagement, fiscal responsibility, and the need for enhanced funding to support city services amid growth. The next steps will involve further discussions on the hotel tax increase and continued community feedback on budgetary matters.