City Council Opposes State-Operated Income Tax Collection

Mentor City Council unanimously approved a resolution that opposes the state collecting income taxes during a meeting Tuesday at .

Local collection agencies have collected thus far and city officials are concerned that if the state began doing it, local governments might lose more control over how the money is distributed.

"Council has watched this issue very, very closely," City Manager Kenneth Filipiak said. "There's a whole host of reasons we think it isn't a good idea."

"A lot of us have concerns about how local revenue that is collected by the state might be used over time, considering what has happened with the local government fund," Filipiak added, referring to the .

Also at the Council meeting:

• Council voted to replace the ambulance that was ruined ., insurance will pay for 95 percent of the new ambulance.
• Council approved an incentive grant for . The that is expected to add 30 jobs to the city. If the company maintains certain payroll levels, it could receive up to $110,000 in tax breaks.
• Mentor Fire Chief Richard Harvey was recognized for .

Council also held a work session before the meeting in which they discussed and an .

Finally, Council made appointments to some of the city's volunteer committees and commissions. They were:

• Lisa Marinelli for a 4-year term on the Board of Building & Zoning Appeals
• Mike Mandato for a 3-year term on the Fair Housing Board
• for a 3-year term on the Fair Housing Board
• Chuck Huebner for a 3-year term on the Community Arts Commission.