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New Carlisle council advances income-tax ballot measure to fund fire, EMS; several ordinances pass
Summary
On July 6 the New Carlisle City Council voted 4–2 to place a measure on the ballot to raise the city income tax from 1.5% to 2% to fund fire and emergency medical services; council also adopted the 2027 tax budget and introduced a one‑year moratorium on new tattoo/piercing businesses.
The New Carlisle City Council on July 6 approved Resolution 2026-13 to place a question on the ballot to raise the municipal income tax from 1.5% to 2%, effective Jan. 1, 2027, to provide funds for fire and emergency medical services. The resolution passed on a 4–2 vote.
Finance Director Colleen Harris, who the city said will help with transition after announcing her planned retirement, described the two options presented to council: a 0.5 percentage-point income-tax increase paired with keeping a perpetual levy, or a larger 0.75-point income-tax option that would alter the levy structure. "The half percent will continue the perpetual levy, but not the renewal 3 mill," Harris said, explaining revenue and property-tax implications.
Council discussion reflected differing views on tax structure and fairness. "I personally, I have an issue with doing it as an income tax myself," one council member said, noting concern about placing long-term service funding on income rather than seeking alternative mechanisms at the state level.
Votes at a glance - Resolution 2026-13 (increase city income tax from 1.5% to 2.0% for fire/EMS; effective 01/01/2027): Passed 4–2. Recorded roll-call: Councilwoman Wright — yes; Councilwoman Eggleston — no; Vice Mayor Shamie — yes; Councilman Cook — no; Councilman Vaughn — yes; Councilwoman Grama — yes. (Vote order and labels as recorded in the minutes.) - Ordinance 2026-16 (tax budget for fiscal year 2027): Adopted; minutes record the action as "Accepted 6 0 1." - Ordinance 2026-17 (one-year moratorium on new tattoo parlors and body-piercing establishments, excluding earlobe-only piercing by a jewelry store): Introduced and acted on at the meeting; text attached to the council packet specifies a 12-month moratorium.
City staff said both income-tax options were modeled to cover at least five years of fire and EMS expenses, with differing longer-term property-tax outcomes. The city manager said staff will forward survey data and other background materials to council as the city approaches contract-renewal decisions tied to broader budgeting work. A public hearing schedule and additional ordinance public hearings are set for July 20.
What’s next: The resolution places the tax question before voters (per the ordinance language recorded on the July 6 agenda); council will continue budget and ordinance work at the July 20 meeting and the city will conduct required follow-up steps before a ballot submission.
