By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport city officials are continually monitoring the effects of the coronavirus shutdown on the town’s residents as well as on the city’s income revenue stream.
When asked how the coronavirus shutdown has impacted the city’s income tax revenue and what revenue projections are for the next few months, Groveport City Administrator B.J. King said that, as of March 31, 2020, net income tax collections (gross collections less refunds and fees) are currently 6.65 percent ahead of the same time last year, providing the city a small cushion for future months.
“We are still in the early stages of determining what impact the coronavirus shutdown will have on income taxes,” said King. “We fully recognize the financial impact this could have and we are keeping a close eye on finances. We are still in the early stages of determining what impact the coronavirus shutdown would have on the city’s budget.”
Groveport Development Director Jeff Green offered some positive news about some of the businesses in town.
“The warehouses and distribution centers are considered essential businesses, so for a lot of our companies it is business as usual,” said Green. “Plus, the developers of some of our larger new building projects are still going full bore.”
Green added that city officials are making sure businesses in the city have the information they need regarding government programs that can help them through the pandemic crisis.
King said the city continues to compensate all full and part-time employees and has implemented work from home initiatives.
“Small savings have been realized from a reduction in overtime hours worked and also less operating expenses, such as the closure of the Recreation Center, Town Hall, and Kidspace, however, this does not offset the loss of revenue from these closures,” said King.
City officials believe the town’s residents are adapting to the situations caused by the coronavirus shutdown.
“It is challenging times and each resident has their own personal response to the shutdown,” said King. “Everyone has their own unique situation during this time. We hope that everyone is staying healthy, practicing social distancing, and taking all precautions possible as we work through this trying time.”
When asked if city officials have made any decisions yet regarding cancelling the Memorial Day ceremony and the city’s Fourth of July celebration, King said, “No decisions have been made. In early May we will assess the situation and make a decision about the Memorial Day ceremony. Throughout May and into June, we will assess and make a decision on the July 4th celebration.”
Information
Governor Mike DeWine recently announced the Ohio Department of Health extended its shutdown order through the end of April. Ohio’s previous order was set to expire on April 3, 2020. The new order extends the closure through May 1, 2020. The ongoing coronavirus situation is ever changing and the state order can be updated and/or extended depending on how things progress.
According to city of Groveport officials, the city’s public buildings are currently closed to protect residents and city employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For information contact: Municipal Building – 614-836-5301; and the Groveport Police Department – 614-830-2060. An officer will be available to meet in the police parking lot on a case-by-case basis. Residents will not be without police services.
