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Groveport income tax revenue continues to slide
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - May 12, 2009)
The village of Groveport's income tax revenue has decreased for the third time in four months in 2009.
Income tax revenues for April were $1.23 million, a decrease of 19.1 percent compared to April of 2008 when revenues were $1.52 million.
The total income tax revenues so far for 2009 are $4.1 million, which is down nearly 25 percent compared to the $5.4 million received at this same time in 2008.
"It's (April's revenue) not as bad as anticipated," said Groveport Finance Director Ken Salak at Groveport Village Council's May 11 meeting. "But we're still being diligent on spending and, hopefully, over the next few months we'll stay flat compared to last year."
Income tax revenues for March were $766,762, down 40 percent from last year; for February were $737,563, up 11.4 percent from 2008; and for January were $659,820, down 38.6 percent from a year ago.
Other Groveport news
•Councilman Ed Rarey said citizens are concerned about the lack of a guardrail on the north side of Groveport Road at Groveport Park. He said parents are worried about the safety of their kids who play soccer in the park.
"There's no barrier there to impede a vehicle," said Rarey.
The placement of a guardrail there is under the county's jurisdiction and the county does not feel a guardrail is warranted at the site, according to Law Director Kevin Shannon.
Engineer Steve Farst said installing a guardrail has to meet "rigid" requirements. He said guardrail placement is a "delicate topic" because people in vehicles could be killed if they hit a guardrail.
Rarey suggested the kids' soccer field be moved to a site further from the road.
•Rarey questioned why the former ceramic shop on Main Street, located across from Groveport Elementary on land owned by the village, has not been demolished.
Salak said it would cost around $8,300, plus $3,500 for top soil grading and planting, to contract with someone to demolish the building. He said, with the tight economy, he would rather the village not use money from this year's budget to knock down the building.
"I can swing a sledge," joked Councilwoman Jean Ann Hilbert.
Council instructed village officials to look into having the town's Public Works Department raze the building.
•Rarey asked why work being done by Public Works on brick replacement on Front Street had stopped. Officials will review the situation.
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