On May 3rd voters who reside in Tipp City will have a chance to vote for a .025% increase in the income tax rate, bringing in an estimated $1.3 million in revenue specifically targeted towards Capital Improvements.
While City Council’s health care has been hypnotizing a few of Tipp City’s residents, there is another challenge that I would like to address that for me is even more vexing.
Why would I vote for a tax on others that I will not have to pay (directly)?
60% of Tipp City’s residents work outside of Tipp City. Those residents already pay a higher percentage of their income to cities like Vandalia, Dayton, Springfield, Troy, Piqua, etc. Those residents have been telling me that they feel uncomfortable voting on May 3rd for a tax increase that would not impact their wallets. This I must say is a valid quandary. While many communities would give a rip what Tipp City residents pay in tax when working in their city, Tipp City’s residents are overwhelmingly conservative and have a very kind nature that makes us much more hesitant to vote in favor of something that impacts others. I totally get it.
I am part of the 40%, I live and work and have a small business in Tipp City. The income that my company makes and I make as an individual will receive a higher tax if the levy passes. The “60 percenters” will have an opportunity to vote for a tax that I must pay. Of course the “40 percenters” can vote their conscious (or their wallet) too.
A good friend of mine (a 60 percenter) works in Dayton. He knows that the tax is necessary but he doesn’t want to vote a tax on the 40 percenters. I told him that I wanted him to. Why? Well its because while his wallet is not being negatively impacted by his vote, the services that his family receives will be. While I can get that his wallet won’t be impacted, his police force will be.. his fire service will be.. his home owners insurance may be. So by voting no (or more likely not voting at all) he will be necessarily giving up his rights to determine that the roads in Tipp will continue to fail and that his Fire and EMS teams will continue to use their old vehicles and ridiculously inadequate quarters. After thinking of it that way, it make this discussion take a different tone.
The Answer
One of the things that I have learned in watching each and every twitch that City Council makes has been an awareness and appreciation for decisions that impact some and then those that impact all. Last week, one of Councilman Lovett’s statements was enormously misunderstood. He was speaking about being held to a different level or accountability. What George was saying (I believe) is that Council has to make decisions that impact the entire town, not just one particular segment. For instance it would not be responsible for George to vote on every issue and only taking into account the feelings and interests of those who live in Curry Branch. Or only those who are unemployed, or only those that make a million bucks a year.
So, in essence the Citizens for a Strong Tipp City and City Council have put the tax levy up on the ballot and asked voters to consider passing it to help fund the repair of many of the crumbling parts of our infrastructure. They are asking voters to think as a City Council person would. To consider everyone’s predicament, whether you are a 40 percenter, a 60 percenter, if you have a job with insurance or without insurance, if you are poor or wealthy.. They are asking residents to vote for a capital improvements levy that will benefit the greatest amount of residents and hurts the least. The improvements are to safety and streets.. two things that we all benefit from equally (well unless you don’t drive and don’t live in an house or apartment). That is why it is imperative for both the 60 percenters and the 40 percenters to get out there and vote.
Now of course.. I will ask you to vote Yes on the levy since I am co-chair of the Committee for a Strong Tipp City. But however you choose to vote, please understand that your vote counts equally regardless of your situation and regardless of which “Ceasar” you pay taxes to. These are our roads, our fire equipment and our EMS teams. I urge you to spin by the firehouse sometime before the election and check it out. I am sure they will be glad to give you a tour. While you are there, ask the men and women of our Fire and EMS teams if the request for new vehicles and quarters is legit. Then consider the cost. $125/year for a Tipp City worker earning %50,000/year.
A continued thanks for all the great comments.
