T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA
Shadyside Mayor Mike Meintel speaks on the future of the village’s finances due to last week’s election which saw the village’s 1.35-mill levy being voted down.
SHADYSIDE — Mike Meintel addressed village residents Monday about last week’s election, which saw the village’s 1.35-mill levy voted down.
During village council’s meeting Monday, Meintel addressed the public about the failure of the general fund levy.
“The Shadyside village levy defeat was not a surprise to me, due to the economy, high gas prices and the current issues with property taxes in Belmont County,” Meintel said. “I personally do not believe that the levy’s defeat was a reflection on me or my council. People know that we have been working our butts off since day one to improve the quality of life in Shadyside. We have done more work in the last four months than the previous administrations have done in two terms. I want to make several things perfectly clear to the residents of Shadyside.”
He added that no village employees will be laid off and no cuts to village services will occur at this time.
Meintel said the village also received more than $800,000 from a lease bonus payment and recently began receiving royalties averaging between $20,000 and $30,000 per month. He said the royalty money will decline over time. Those funds are segregated in a separate savings account and are being reserved for non-operational expenses such as the purchase of major equipment or critical emergency expenses.
“We also know that the water and sewer plants will need to be replaced. Even if we obtain grants to offset the costs to replace the plants, grants often require matching funds which could cost the village hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is crucial that these funds be utilized in such a manner to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the village and its infrastructure. These funds are not something that will be replaced so we must be mindful of how the funds are used,” Meintel said. “A total of 774 residents voted on Election Day. Four hundred sixteen voted against the levy and 358 voted in favor of the levy. Shadyside has a population close to 3,500 residents. I truly believe that those 416 citizens who voted against the levy are not indicative of who we are in Shadyside.”
He added that, as mayor, he sometimes has to make unpopular and difficult decisions for the overall betterment of the village.
Meintel said he has directed Fiscal Officer Kelly Kotur to contact the Regional Income Tax Authority to provide the village with an assessment of how much revenue a 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% wage tax would generate.
“Please be advised that per the Ohio Revised Code, village council is permitted to enact up to a 1% wage tax without it being placed on the ballot,” Meintel said. “I consider myself a good steward of the people’s money, but our wastewater plant, water plant, streets, alleys and operating equipment are in dire condition and are in need of replacement or repair.”
He added that he, Kotur and council will discuss putting the 1.35-mill levy back on the November ballot.
“Please remember there is an initiative going around Ohio to eliminate property taxes statewide and as mayor, no one can give me a definitive answer as to how that initiative is going to affect our levies, along with the effects that it will have on small government in general,” Meintel said. “Myself and council will continue to do our best with what we have to deal with for the residents of Shadyside. I will not allow 416 individuals to dictate the future of Shadyside.”