[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6080285,"mediaKeyId","2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77","parentId",2948516,"title","Council updates municipal income-tax code to align with Ohio law","audioSeconds",333,"startMs",2631000,"endMs",2964000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77&start=2631&end=2964","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77/thumbnail_2631000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6080285/Wooster/Wayne-County/Ohio/Council-updates-municipal-income-tax-code-to-align-with-Ohio-law","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080285-27d09ec0da87525e6b96f1c57f737b23/orig.mp4?Expires=1775904744&Signature=nGnNkIdV42hVpS1iqo2pkWQ9HULA-YlLfBFQBaEu2mtMr7uqnhoOfnyuQDULguhFLn5aDd4eKCGoTqeHiml~Rw4pINLDSX7qh79eotB25Nfykd8ZWVE3KZuOFRVd5~p1orh4FuLjcJgV9~59c-I2iC8nYFZpzN2nQ8-UdlDOSAGgaVpUnPmXnEQIIb5S0tKV2WT5ORj6~bGfsfnH-RtdsO3AmRbrdllLOGnub7O~3Lj89XPdmpHBWzGe0SxAvhffngpbjXvA87tzrDlINbFokfWHJPknLHExCYVp~qOWv-Hd1yrQciT3StopJ8znDcdinYrPga3cJwcBO68MILIJYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Wooster","date","2025-04-10T18:07:52.387Z","article","WORCESTER — The Worcester City Council on April 7 adopted Ordinance 2025-06 to revise the city’s income-tax code so it corresponds with the Ohio Revised Code.

Councilmembers said the changes are primarily administrative and will reduce local compliance burdens for businesses. City staff described three substantive adjustments: allowing businesses to use a reporting-location method to apportion net profits (reducing the administrative burden of apportioning by payroll/sales/property in some cases), extending the filing period for business returns when an extension is filed (from six to seven months), and lowering the statutory cap on late fees (from $1.50 to $0.25 on the line mentioned during discussion).

A city official noted that no local taxpayers in Worcester had yet adopted the new reporting-location apportionment method. Councilmembers moved to suspend rules and adopt the ordinance in the same meeting; the measure passed on a unanimous roll call.

Why it matters

Aligning local tax rules with the state code simplifies compliance for businesses that operate in multiple jurisdictions and can reduce administrative recordkeeping for the city’s tax office.

What’s next

The city will implement the code changes administratively. The finance/tax office will provide guidance to local businesses and taxpayers on the new apportionment option and filing timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 7, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council unanimously adopted amendments to the city's income-tax ordinance to align local code with changes in the Ohio Revised Code, including a new method for apportioning net profits, a change in filing-extension months and a lower cap on late fees.","taxTitle","Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio","taxId",48779,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080290,"Council enacts traffic-control updates; members raise questions about flashing signals and local crash history",242,1793000,2035000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77&start=1793&end=2035","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77/thumbnail_1793000.jpg","/articles/6080290/Wooster/Wayne-County/Ohio/Council-enacts-traffic-control-updates-members-raise-questions-about-flashing-signals-and-local-crash-history","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080290-5927f853328f7c486f2b1770d2cdb896/orig.mp4?Expires=1775904744&Signature=RFo3GBP~SGtmCbbFInizQPEDNr3vSwGwZQ9mcpLnHiQ4M5nsL2e2UJis3kNU4-Vw7iAaBdVAiMtLT3J7XbmGtbCB0vEeAf-0LpP9EHOPDOx8RHnr5lneHsm-GGKGFEuJrLSab03~gFeoJenEhmrnQRxXlU2q7SxjYL9P6wC5fg6NtxfvMhDmcwlm02OF7S~tUMVJRHfUFfe21~fkcSrd5S~7ZFZQvTP7O2uJIBSUVBrUxczJI~lWsRYMxn-qigotT2U8PCXF-dkYHMxZmiddT4H6lhY5dbn7pnYchmRCit00o0j-P-2rqn7Kv8hA8jT7~Uutc0Uprr~-p9cyuhjbtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WORCESTER — The Worcester City Council adopted an ordinance April 7 amending the city’s traffic-control file to implement recommendations from the Traffic Commission, actions the administration described as no-cost updates to signal timing and signage.

City traffic engineer (Mazzei) told the council that the ordinance mainly updates engineering references and reflects actions already recommended by the Traffic Commission. Councilmembers used the floor to raise a recent resident complaint: several signals that had previously been flashing only during the day were changed to remain in the same operation overnight following guidance from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). A resident had reported longer commute times because the lights now operate in full signal mode overnight.

Mazzei said ODOT guidance supported a change to consistent day/night operation in some locations; another staff member (Denny) explained the adjustment was made after further review. Councilmembers also discussed a specific intersection on Buckeye where a permanent signal had been removed years earlier; one member said at least three crashes — two involving hit-and-runs — had occurred since the signal was removed. Staff said they examined sight triangles and did not find an obstruction, but acknowledged some drivers may not pull up far enough to see cross traffic.

The ordinance was adopted after a suspension of rules; councilmembers asked staff to follow up on the resident complaint and to monitor safety at the Buckeye intersection.

Why it matters

Traffic-control file updates are routine but can affect daily travel patterns, emergency-response timing and pedestrian safety. The exchange underscores how technical guidance (ODOT recommendations) and local conditions inform signal operation choices.

What’s next

Council asked staff to investigate the specific overnight signal locations and to report back; staff also will continue to coordinate with ODOT on recommended signal operations.","The council approved amendments to the city traffic-control file implementing Traffic Commission recommendations. Council members raised resident concerns about overnight flashing lights and a history of collisions at a downtown intersection where a signal was previously removed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080295,"Mayor praises Worcester police response; city officials note new investigation tool used heavily by CIU",547,138000,685000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77&start=138&end=685","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77/thumbnail_138000.jpg","/articles/6080295/Wooster/Wayne-County/Ohio/Mayor-praises-Worcester-police-response-city-officials-note-new-investigation-tool-used-heavily-by-CIU","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080295-8f43b6d52db799d7a0246a0b786950a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775904744&Signature=PKcMUTaNzKzw1imeru5tmSXgiWZCBKR-~CB2rSae6CM5DTfsvOL39IuqTwSmIjBemnda81QhdY2ZfrP99fvdj5srQmh4QHh1i1VP6jygUDDGn3PHoY1HzwJdmoqphT31XjPhK7BL8dOzfuodRwhhUoPDazZRISjynHss~10S-F9ZOcEHdr2D5yjF3lLCu6hEZKjye7cPadmByE5cLXF7gwGpv5936tRpvXF51gkos-w606SgK1tALgv7JpiArRZt4lro-tcOsCSxFNIQ23-IRE~SohpdXA1swwrWBs0GvhPUEL7gz0Pskgax8yUr3elC2IAh0AMQIqoBHG6LlcXnjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WORCESTER — City officials on April 7 commended local law enforcement for their response to a traumatic incident last week and described how a recently deployed investigative system aided officers.

Mayor (speaking during communications) said the episode “could’ve been worse” and thanked police for their handling and training. City staff identified the tool as newly accessible to investigators for a little over a month and said the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) had used the system more than 70 times and the broader department “well over 600 times” during that period to locate suspects, recover vehicles and solve crimes.

“CIU’s used it over 70 times. And overall, we’ve used that system well over 600 times, just in those 30 days,” a city official named Scott told the council. The council’s public remarks framed the investment as producing results while noting the element of luck and preparation in the favorable outcome.

Council members repeatedly thanked first responders and asked for updates on Chief Fisher’s recovery; one councilmember asked specifically for a status update on Chief Fisher, and colleagues said he is “a tough guy” and they hope to see him back soon.

Why it matters

The council’s discussion highlights two points: the municipal value placed on investment in investigative technology, and public reliance on first responders following high-risk incidents. City officials credited training, equipment and interagency cooperation for avoiding worse outcomes.

What’s next

Councilmembers thanked officers publicly and asked staff for updates. No formal policy changes were proposed at the meeting; council members said they will continue to monitor the investigation and the well-being of involved officers.","Following a serious incident earlier in the week, city officials commended the Worcester Police Department and highlighted a recently deployed investigative system the Criminal Investigations Unit has used hundreds of times in a month.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6080300,"Worcester council approves South Market streetscape, waterline replacement and Christmas Run pool renovation",389,1295000,1684000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77&start=1295&end=1684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2948516-83b89e26a7db3d9fd7f161219d442f77/thumbnail_1295000.jpg","/articles/6080300/Wooster/Wayne-County/Ohio/Worcester-council-approves-South-Market-streetscape-waterline-replacement-and-Christmas-Run-pool-renovation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080300-39401f28cf0f72d52b2fbcdf37613b81/orig.mp4?Expires=1775904744&Signature=C5VtiTNZ8ipWl1F8CqadwKYeRseDSoyGTc327f-2N-YwCYPSS8Gw3vFBpyWgmviH5-drasg7taS9WWWrjiiNF1WIsP5PqObdvKvZbZMad46sIyV7SMRtY1mHk-5I-5q6fgKm-GgYYrx9UINjy0mrfS8EeXaGqlC09wotwsOyom8oHL3iUawFKM7GYdEfRWmxSceXjGNXwZOutJkK7XC5A7E15K4QaPTcvg2Bllbhia68FjPdp4suqSLITT9Midh6heHAZIeoQaaBVkh2UMqnLirdcQY~yzZ-HR~yddxS42k~jRdXjynYY8MJb27e-DhZUPZIeR-Nj5WqqBeZPOTSkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WORCESTER — The Worcester City Council voted April 7 to approve several budgeted infrastructure and recreation projects, including a $250,000 downtown streetscape improvement, a waterline replacement project on Gashi Street and South Columbus Avenue, and authorization to move forward on the Christmas Run pool renovation.

The council adopted Resolution 2025-27 declaring the city’s intent to improve pedestrian areas on South Market Street and South Street and to assess affected property owners for a portion of the cost; preliminary assessments were presented as $67,881.52 with the rest of the estimated $250,000 borne by the city. Councilmember Wharton said the work is timed to support ongoing downtown development and named two businesses and a theater among those to be assessed.

The council immediately followed by adopting Resolution 2025-28, authorizing the director of administration to advertise for bids and award a contract to the lowest-and-best bidder for the same streetscape work. City staff told council the project is planned for after Labor Day and will be coordinated with property owners.

Council also approved Resolution 2025-29 to advertise for bids and award a contract for the Gashi Street and South Columbus Avenue waterline replacement. During comment, a council member asked whether the project increases pipe size; city staff said 4-inch lines in the area will be replaced and upsized to 8-inch where applicable.

On recreation, the council adopted Resolution 2025-31 to advertise and enter into contracts for the Christmas Run pool project. Staff described a package of mechanical and safety upgrades plus new amenities; slide and major feature options will be bid or priced separately because of wide cost variation. Councilmembers said the city will provide additional detail about parking and phasing to nearby residents as the project moves toward contractor selection.

Other measures adopted included amendments to the traffic-control file, an update to the city income-tax ordinance to align with the Ohio Revised Code, acquisition of a small parcel from GGI Properties for up to $35,000 to improve parking near the community center, and a disclosure of city services under revised code section 709.03 related to a potential annexation. The council also approved a liquor-permit hearing waiver for a new C2 license for Best Price LLC (dba Best Price Cigarettes) at 516 Bell Avenue.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025-27 (South Market/South Street streetscape — declare necessity and assess property owners): Motion to adopt by Wharton; second by Dizet; roll call recorded Yes votes from Wharton, Abernathy, Myers, Malta, Gaffey, Jose, Hussain. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-28 (Advertise for bids — South Market/South Street streetscape): Motion to adopt by Wharton; second by Abernathy; roll call recorded Yes votes from Wharton, Malta, Myers, Gaffey, Abernathy, Jose. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-29 (Advertise for bids — Gashi Street & S. Columbus waterline replacement): Motion to adopt; second by Myers; roll call recorded Yes votes from Malta, Abernathy, Gaffey, Wharton, Jose, Myers. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-31 (Advertise/contract — Christmas Run pool project): Motion to adopt by Myers; seconded; roll call recorded Yes votes from Myers, Wharton, Gaffey, Malta, Jose, Abernathy. Outcome: adopted.

- Ordinance 2025-05 (Traffic control file amendments to enact Traffic Commission recommendations): Adopted after suspension of rules; roll call showed unanimous support. Outcome: adopted.

- Ordinance 2025-06 (Update local income tax code to match Ohio Revised Code Chapter 718): Adopted after suspension of rules. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-30 (Acquire property from GGI Properties, not to exceed $35,000): Adopted after suspension of rules; roll call recorded Yes votes from Jose, Gaffey, Abernathy, Myers, Malta, Wharton. Outcome: adopted.

- Ordinance 2025-07 (Statement of services for parcel 557-00034 to Wayne County pursuant to R.C. 709.03): Adopted. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution 2025-32 (Amend Resolution 2025-17, purchasing detail): Adopted after suspension of rules. Outcome: adopted.

- Liquor control request/C2 license (Best Price LLC, 516 Bell Avenue): Motion to waive hearing by Abernathy; second by Jose; voice vote in favor. Outcome: hearing waived.

Why it matters

The measures fund and authorize near-term work on downtown pedestrian improvements and essential underground infrastructure, and they start the procurement process for a multi-year pool renovation that city officials say aims to broaden amenities and address mechanical and safety systems. Upsizing water mains can affect fire flow and future development; streetscape work is paired with modest property-owner assessments tied to specific parcels.

What’s next

Several of the ordinances (2025-03 and 2025-04) remained at second reading and were scheduled for a special Wednesday meeting to complete third readings and votes. Bids for projects will be sought under the authority the council approved; councilmembers asked staff to provide ample advance notice to affected businesses and to share concrete plans and schedules before construction begins.","The Worcester City Council on April 7 adopted a package of measures including a $250,000 streetscape project for South Market/South Street, authorization to bid a waterline replacement on Gashi Street and South Columbus Avenue, and authorization to proceed with design and bidding for the Christmas Run pool renovation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council updates municipal income-tax code to align with Ohio law

Council enacts traffic-control updates; members raise questions about flashing signals and local crash history

Mayor praises Worcester police response; city officials note new investigation tool used heavily by CIU

Worcester council approves South Market streetscape, waterline replacement and Christmas Run pool renovation