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Council asks staff to study motor-vehicle license tax after manager flags 1995 ordinance
Summary
City manager flagged Chapter 185 (motor vehicle license tax), noting the code sets a registration fee originally adopted in 1995; council asked staff to confirm the city's current rate, peer rates and the state maximum before considering any change.
City staff brought forward Chapter 185 — the ordinance governing motor vehicle license taxes — and asked council whether it wanted staff to examine the current rate and potential adjustments.
The manager noted the code dates to June 1995 and that the city currently collects a vehicle registration fee that has not been systematically reviewed. Council members recalled a change in 2019 that brought the city rate to $10; one councilmember cited Ohio Revised Code language that allows municipalities to set registration fees up to $30 (ORC citation given in the meeting record). Staff committed to researching peers’ rates, verifying the state maximum, and returning with a recommendation.
A councilmember also noted inflation: $10 in 1995 is roughly $20.71 in 2020 dollars. No change was adopted at the March 3 meeting; staff will report back with a legal check and peer comparisons.
