Council holds first reading of proposed five-year income-tax renewal; emergency clause debated

FOSTORIA — The council conducted the first reading of an ordinance to submit a renewed five-year 1% municipal income tax to voters and a companion resolution setting the election date of Nov. 4, 2025. Members questioned the use of an emergency clause and the need to certify ballot language on a tight timeline.

Why it matters: Placing a renewal levy on the ballot would affect local tax policy and municipal revenues. Council discussion focused on procedural timing — specifically whether the ordinance requires an emergency declaration to ensure timely certification with the Board of Elections.

What council discussed: Councilperson Mendoza asked why an emergency declaration was included on the ordinance and the resolution. The law director and finance director explained steps in ballot certification — the city must provide certified copies to the board of elections roughly 90 days before the election, and delays (missed meetings, weather or procedural delays) could jeopardize the timeline. The finance director said passing the ordinance on emergency “once it is passed, we can keep the process moving and not have to wait.”

Other council members observed there was probably enough time to complete the normal three-reading process and still meet the deadlines; however, some agreed that passing by emergency would allow administrative staff to act immediately if needed. No suspension of readings or adoption occurred at the meeting; the items were at first reading.

Next steps: The ordinance and resolution will return for additional readings before any final action; council and administration will track election-certification deadlines and may decide whether to invoke emergency procedures in a later meeting.