Washington Court House City officials are proposing three tax increases that would raise taxpayers’ rates by astronomical numbers.
Tonight, the Washington Court House City Council will vote on six pieces of legislation that could place three tax increases on a May 7 ballot.
Two of the levies are operating levies for police and fire services, while a third is reserved for recreation, such as constructing a new swimming pool.
The first levy, if passed, is a fire levy that would raise the current income tax rate of 1.45 percent by 0.17 percent. The money would be used to maintain fire services and purchase additional firefighting equipment.
The second levy, a police operating levy, is also for 0.17 percent. The levy would help fund operations at the police department.
The final levy is a recreation levy for 0.16 percent. If passed, the money generated would go toward constructing a new $3.2 million community swimming pool.
According to the Fayette County Board of Elections, a five-year, 1-mill levy providing police equipment, personnel and emergency medical services passed by 335 to 111 in May 2011.
Also in May 2011, a five-year, 1-mill levy providing firefighters and emergency medical services passed by 335 to 112.
In 2007, voters passed a .20 income tax increase to fund the construction of the new police and fire departments by passing the levy 846 votes to 751, which took the previous tax rate from 1.24 percent to 1.45 percent.
Washington Court House City Council will meet tonight at 7: 30 p.m. in council chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 105 North Main Street to discuss the levies. The public is encouraged to attend.