Canal Fulton Township welcomes new health district initiatives and income tax agency proposal

During the Canal Fulton City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, significant discussions centered around public health initiatives and potential changes to the city's income tax services.

A representative from the local health district highlighted recent accomplishments, including the completion of a Geographic Information System (GIS) application that documents every water well in Stark County. This tool is crucial for emergency response, particularly in situations like flooding or contamination events. The health district also emphasized its ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with long-term care facilities to enhance infection control measures, ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.

In a separate discussion, representatives from the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) presented their services to the council, proposing a transition to their income tax collection system. They outlined the benefits of joining RITA, including improved tax collection efficiency and access to real-time taxpayer data. The agency reported that municipalities that partner with them typically see an increase in income tax collections due to their compliance programs. The estimated cost for Canal Fulton to join RITA would be around $101,000, which could lead to significant savings for the city.

The council is expected to deliberate on the proposed transition to RITA in upcoming meetings, with the potential for a vote on new legislation that would formalize the partnership. This move could streamline tax processes for residents and enhance the city's financial management.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving public health services and exploring efficient financial management solutions, both of which are vital for the community's well-being and economic stability.