By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport City Council approved raising the amount of motor vehicle license tax within the city by $5 to help pay for road maintenance.
“Should Groveport decide not to collect this fee, Franklin County has the right to collect the fee and keep it for themselves,” said Groveport City Administrator Marsha Hall.
The tax is paid to the State Registrar of Motor Vehicles or to a deputy registrar when an application for registration of a motor vehicle is made.
Previously the motor vehicle license fee for Groveport residents was $15. It will rise to $20. In comparison, the fees for the surrounding areas of Canal Winchester, Madison Township, and Hamilton Township are already at $20.
Property maintenance program
A proposed property maintenance community service program could help residents keep their property up to city standards.
Under the program, a list of businesses and volunteers (for example, churches, schools, Boy and Girl Scouts) will be available to help property owners who may need assistance with correcting problems such as tall grass and weeds, debris in the yard, and more.
“This program will help us maintain attractive, clean, and safe neighborhoods,” said Courtney Shisler, property maintenance inspector. “This program will connect residents with services they may need.”
Shisler said it is hoped the program can be implemented in March. She said the property owner is ultimately responsible for maintaining their property.
“The person who may have a violation has to make an effort,” said Shisler. “We hope this program will shorten compliance time.”
Visit www.groveport.org for information.
Bucket truck
Council is considering purchasing through a lease agreement a 2016 Versalift/Ford Chassis bucket truck for $121,825 at $1,900 a month.
Hall said the city’s current bucket truck, which is about 30 years old, is unsafe.
Public Works Superintendent Dennis Moore said city workers use the bucket truck for ceiling and light repairs as well as tree work.
“This new bucket truck is smaller and more versatile and will last us a long time,” said Moore.
