By Susan Vela
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Hamilton County's suburban leaders say they've had to maximize their persuasive powers because voters are naturally reluctant to say "yes" to more taxes when their financial futures are in doubt.
What they're banking on is this: Voters won't mind forking over more money for improved services, including more police and fire protection, if it means bettering their community while the rest of the world goes a little haywire.
Their back yards, after all, are a lot easier to control.
"There's a lot of people out of work because the economy is struggling," said Terry Fritz, a Harrison resident who has been pushing for a 7.25-mill levy that would finance more fire protection in a city where 180 homes are under construction.
"The city is growing so rapidly," he said. "There hasn't been a new fire levy in 10 years."
In the past month, he has knocked on doors, passed out fliers and told passers-by that this city of 7,500 needs the new tax.
Annually, it would generate about $1 million a year for the fire department, which could then hire 14 more firefighters - boosting the total full-time force to 25 - and buy more equipment.
From Glendale to Mariemont, suburban leaders are asking voters to ante up if they truly want new or improved services.
Colerain Township leaders are asking voters to pay 1 mill more so that administrators can hire 10 new police officers.
Chief Steven J. Sarver, a former Cincinnati police lieutenant, said Colerain's 25 sworn officers aren't enough to protect 60,000 residents living within 44 square miles of township property.
So, "we all have to go to one less movie," he said. "Any increase in taxes can be difficult. (But) there was no question that in order to improve services and add on we had to increase the manpower."
In the village of Glendale, council members are asking residents to approve a replacement levy of 7.3 mills - plus a 1.2-mill increase - for the village's general operating expenses.
Administrator Walter Cordes is chagrined to push for the increase because the total 8.5-mill proposal is creeping toward the 1990 level of 9.8 mills.
"These are tough times. It's on my mind every day," Mr. Cordes said. But, without the taxes, "it would be fiscally and physically and - by state code - impossible to operate" the village.
Don Speir is on a Forest Park committee that's working to get an earnings tax increase of 0.35 percentage points passed so that the city can build a community center.
"We've been trying 30 years to get this on the ballot. I just don't see waiting any longer," he said. "If people don't want this, then we'll know on Nov. 5."
Ballot issues in Hamilton County
Addyston: A 1.5 percent income tax for general operating expenses. This would be a 0.5 percentage point increase.
Arlington Heights: A five-year, 1.3-mill renewal levy for sidewalk maintenance and rehabilitation. There is no cost increase.
Colerain Township: A continuing 1-mill tax increase for police protection. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $31 more a year.
Evendale: Voters will decide whether the mayor can enter contracts without competitive bidding for projects up to $20,000 rather than the present $10,000 limit, and to allow contracts for employee benefits without competitive bidding.
Evendale: Should the charter be amended so that the mayor's administrative assistant can enter into contracts for goods and services involving up to $5,000.
Evendale: Shall the charter be amended to allow this new position: "chief fiscal and accounting officer."
Forest Park: A 1.35 percent income tax to construct a new $13 million community center. The present income tax is 1 percent.
Glendale: Replacement of 7.3 mills and increase of 1.2 mills for general operating expenses for the next four years. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $37 more a year.
Golf Manor: A five-year, 4-mill levy for general operating expenses. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $122 a year.
Greenhills: The replacement of 1.65 mills and an increase of 2.24 mills for operating expenses for the next five years. The increase would require the owner of a $100,000 home to pay $69 more a year.
Harrison: A continuing 7.25-mill levy for fire and emergency medical services. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay about $222 more a year.
Harrison Township: A continuing 3.85-mill tax increase for police, fire and emergency medical services. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $118 more a year.
Lincoln Heights: A 3-mill replacement levy and a 1-mill increase for fire protection over the next five years. Also, for that same period, a 4-mill replacement levy and 0.75-mill increase for police protection. For the total 1.75-mill addition, the owner of a $100,000 home would pay $54 more a year.
Mariemont: A five-year, 3.5-mill renewal levy for capital improvements. There is no cost increase.
Montgomery: Minor language changes to the city's charter.
Mount Healthy: A 1.9 percent income tax for general operating expenses. This would be a 0.4 percentage point increase.
North Bend: A park referendum will ask voters whether they approve of the village's May decision to buy, for $1, park land known as the Boswell Tract from the Hamilton County Park District.
North College Hill: A 1.5 percent income tax for general operating expenses. This would be an increase of 0.5 percentage points.
St. Bernard: Voters will decide whether a commission should be formed to frame the city's first charter and who should serve on it.
Silverton: A 1.25 percent income tax for general operating expenses. This would be an increase of 0.25 percent points.
Sycamore Township: A five-year, 1-mill increase for a $14 million community recreation center. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $31 more a year.
Symmes Township: A continuing 1.7-mill tax increase for police, fire and emergency medical services. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $52 more.
Terrace Park: A three-year, 9.5-mill renewal levy for the village's general operating expenses. There is no cost increase.
Whitewater Township: Replacement of 3.3 mills and an increase of 0.6 mills for fire and emergency medical services over the next five years. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $101.
Woodlawn: A five-year, 2-mill renewal levy to maintain the village's municipal pool. No additional taxes.
