City Council has placed a 0.5% income tax renewal on the Nov. 7, 2023 ballot. This is the first time in 35 years that a tax issue will be on the ballot for the City. The income tax supports our annual street repaving program, water and sewer infrastructure, and park development and maintenance along with funding snow plows and police vehicles.
Q: Is this a new tax?
A: No, this is a renewal of the same earned income tax that has been in place since 1988.
Q: Does voting yes for this renewal raise my taxes?
A: Voting yes will NOT raise your taxes. This is a renewal of the 0.5% income tax passed in 1988.
Q: How is an earned income tax different from a regular income tax?
A: An earned income tax is a tax only on earned income. It does not tax social security, unemployment or pensions. Retirees do not pay income tax on retirement income.
Q: What does the 0.5% income tax renewal support?
A: The .05% income tax generates about $5.6 million per year. The income tax supports the annual street repaving program, water and sewer infrastructure, park development and maintenance and the purchase of snow plows and police vehicles.
Q: What is Springboro’s current income tax rate and how does it compare to surrounding cities?
A: Springboro’s income tax rate is 1.5%-- lower than most communities of our size. For comparison, Centerville, West Carrollton, Miamisburg and Kettering are at 2.25%. Lebanon's income tax rate is 1.0% and Franklin's income tax rate is 2.0%.
Q: Will this income tax renewal go on forever?
A: No. The tax will expire in 20 years. Residents will have the opportunity to vote again at that time.
Q: What happens if this income tax renewal fails?
A: Unfortunately, if this income tax renewal fails, the City will need to eliminate $5.6 million from our budget, which will affect the following:
- Street repaving: we currently repave approximately 20 to 25 streets each year
- Park maintenance: we currently cut grass, weed eat, etc., two times per week in our parks, that maintenance service will be reduced to once every one to two weeks
- Police vehicles and snow plow equipment: new purchases will be delayed, thereby affecting response times and how quickly we can clear streets during snow events
Q: What can I do to help?
A: Spread the word to your neighbors and friends that this renewal is critical to keeping Springboro the wonderful community it is and IT WILL NOT RAISE TAXES.
The City of Springboro is committed to remaining fiscally responsible and transparent to our residents. For more information, email us or call 937-748-4343.