LOCKINGTON — For the first time Lockington has implemented a 1% income tax and is managed by Regional Income Tax Administrator (RITA). It has generated $3,027.49 in funds. It is expected more funds will be received after income tax filings for 2022.
Mayor Tracy M. Johnson has submitted the following report:
Since the village does not have any industry, it is a challenge to find revenue sources. Income tax has been discussed for decades. The income tax does not affect those residents who are on limited incomes such as disability, retirement, or social security. It affects those who are employed. With revenue sources needed and not wanting to introduce additional property taxes, which will affect those on disability, retired, or on social security if they own property, council felt trying the 1% income tax was best for the community.
The village received a $1,000 grant from the Public Entities Pool of Ohio (PEP) Safety Grant Program that was used to purchase and install a back up camera on the work truck and to purchase step treads to make the entrance ramp to Village Hall safer.
Received $7,179.95 for the second tranche of ARPA funds that can be used for revenues lost, such as gas taxes, due to the pandemic.
Two streets were paved that were in desperate need of repair. Council is looking for opportunities for additional funding to complete more street repair and maintenance.
The village has contracted with Dignified Financial Services in Miamisburg to perform fiscal officer functions. Jessie Harsh, owner, has several years of experience as a previous fiscal officer in small government and has worked with the village in the past on a temporary basis. Village Council realized with the shortage of fiscal officers/clerks within the state, finding most fiscal officers/clerks have full-time employment and cannot commit the time the village deserves, and not having plumbing in Village Hall has been an obstacle. Contracting with Dignified Financial Services has been working well for the village in making sure the bookkeeping is accurate and making sure deadlines are met. The village is still looking to employ an assistant who can help with filing, logging records, assist in updating policies, and other general clerical duties.
It has been a challenge to find maintenance employees as the village does not offer full-time employment. The village hired an 18-year-old high school student last spring to work through to the fall when school started. He was able to help accomplish several goals within the maintenance department. Not just with maintaining the park and starting to get the village caught up on replacing old, damaged, and slanting signs, but he was able to assist in fixing safety hazards in the village garage.
Mayor Tracy M. Johnson has established relationships with area agencies through graduating from the Greater Dayton Environmental Leader Development Program in September of 2022. Members from these agencies are willing to work with Council for strategies to include Lockington in the recreational trails bifurcating the village in the coming years. This exciting adventure will help increase tourism to Lockington, possibly bring small businesses and jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The renewal levy for current expenses failed in the November 2022 election. If this levy does not pass the village will lose approximately $3,564 in revenue. An example of these funds use is for website development which will provide more information at the resident’s fingertips.
The village’s cash flow balance nearly began and ended 2022 with the same amount. Meaning the village’s expenditures and revenues were nearly the same and the cash flow available was minimally affected.
