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Council affirms plan to provide 1% credit if voters approve 0.75% income tax increase; debate over ballot language
Summary
Council adopted a resolution confirming the city will provide a 1% tax credit to residents who work outside North Ridgeville if voters approve a 0.75% income tax increase on Nov. 4. Councilmembers questioned whether the credit language appears on the ballot and sought clarification from the finance director and legal counsel.
North Ridgeville City Council adopted a resolution Oct. 6 confirming the city's intent to provide a 1% income tax credit if voters approve a 0.75% income tax increase on Nov. 4. The council added an emergency clause and approved the measure on a roll call vote.
The resolution (2025-140) was presented by the mayor as a means to make the city's intent clear ahead of the election. Several council members asked whether the credit itself appears on the ballot and whether voters are being asked to approve the credit or only the tax increase.
Council member Schaefer asked whether the ballot language asks strictly for a tax increase; the mayor and administration responded that the ballot language asks electors to vote on the ordinance authorizing the income tax increase and that the credit is referenced in the ordinance text the city has circulated. Council member Swink said the resolution's presentation felt directive and that introducing it by the council president might have been preferable, though she said she planned to vote yes.
Director of Finance (April Wilkerson) explained the credit is not a refund after payment but a reduction in tax liability for people who work outside the city: "The credit reduces the tax liability on people who work outside the city. So we're not asking somebody to pay their taxes and we're refunding them. It reduces the rate that they pay." That explanation followed a council member's request for clarity about feasibility.
The mayor and several council members asserted they intend to implement the credit should voters approve the levy. Council member Winkle said in multiple venues and communications he and other members plan to pass the 1% credit "100%" if the levy passes.
The council also noted public outreach: the administration announced a town hall meeting on Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the academic center community room to discuss the levy. The finance director said a tax-impact calculator is available on the city's website.
Ending: The council adopted resolution 2025-140 with the emergency clause; council members recorded Yes votes in the roll call. Questions about the ballot language and whether the credit is explicitly listed on ballots were discussed and the administration characterized the resolution as confirming actions described in the ordinance that would take effect only if voters approve the tax increase.
