Quarter-Cent Income Tax Repeal Headed To November Ballot

Twinsburg City Council recently gave final approval to a ballot measure that asks city voters to decide in November whether to reduce the city income tax rate.

If voters approve the measure Nov. 5, the city's income tax will fall to 2 percent from 2.25 percent.

The move by city council keeps a promise that city officials made back in 2009 to repeal the income tax within 4 years, once the city weathered the "economic storm."

City council members have said that putting the wheels in motion to repeal the extra tax is one of their priorities this year.

The quarter-percent income tax brought in about $3 million extra in 2011, and about $3.2 million in 2012.

The tax was initially approved to help bolster city revenues after the Chrysler plant shut down, dealing a big hit to the city finances.

City council members are now studying how the reduced revenues would affect city finances and whether any cuts may be needed to handle the revenue loss.