CLAYTON — Residents of the city of Clayton will decide the fate of two local issues on the March 19 primary election ballot.
Issue 4 was placed on the ballot by petition of residents opposing the development of land along Phillipsburg-Union and Haber roads. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
Signs stating, “Keep it Rural” that oppose the development have been posted in residential yards throughout Clayton as well as in neighboring jurisdictions including the cities of Brookville, Englewood, and Union.
The ballot language for Issue 4 states, “Shall Ordinance No. O-05-23-08 proposing the approval, with specified conditions, of the application of Clayton Properties Group Inc. dba Arbor Homes, for a change in zoning from Rural Conservation District-2 (RCD-2) to Planned Development District (PDD) and to further approve the Preliminary Development Plan for 42.99 acres of property located along Phillipsburg-Union Road and Haber Road and bearing Parcel I.D. No. M6003006 0009 (to be called “Salem Springs”) within the City of Clayton, Ohio be approved?”
A ‘yes’ vote would allow the development to proceed while a ‘no’ vote would stop the development and preserve the rural character of that area.
Also up for vote is an issue affecting the city’s income tax.
Issue 5 is a Proposed Municipal Income Tax. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
The ballot language for Issue 5 states, “Shall the Ordinance providing for the continuation of an existing 1.5 percent levy on income and a 1 percent levy increase on income for the purpose of general municipal operations and functions, and providing for the restoration of the one hundred percent (100%) income tax credit, beginning January 1, 2025, be passed?
A ’yes’ vote would approve the increase and the restoration of the one hundred percent income tax credit. A ‘no’ vote would stop the measure.
If approved Issue 5 will assist in the operation costs of the city’s police, fire, and public service departments.
If passed Issue 5 increases the Clayton income tax rate from 1.5 to 2.5 percent to individuals who work in Clayton.
If passed, individuals that work in a municipality with an income tax rate of 2 percent or higher will see their income tax decrease. Those working in a municipality with an income tax rate of 1.75 percent would see their income tax remain unchanged from previous years.
Passage of Issue 5 does not increase taxes on retirement or pension income of seniors and retirees and does not increase property taxes.
According to information on Clayton’s Facebook page, those working in the following jurisdictions currently owe Clayton an additional 0.75 percent income tax: Trotwood, Dayton, Riverside, Moraine, Springfield, Centerville, Xenia, Huber Heights, West Carrollton, Miamisburg, Kettering, Piqua, Fairborn, Vandalia, Brookville, Troy, Englewood, Tipp City, and Union.
If passed those who work in the following jurisdictions would not owe Clayton any additional income tax: Trotwood, Dayton, Riverside, and Moraine.
Those working in Springfield would owe an additional 0.10 percent.
Those working in Centerville, Xenia, Huber Heights, West Carrollton, Miamisburg, and Kettering would owe an additional 0.25 percent.
Clayton residents working in Piqua, Fairborn, Vandalia, and Brookville would owe an additional 0.50 percent.
Residents working in Englewood and Troy would owe an additional 0.75 percent.
Those working in Tipp City and Union would owe an additional 1.00 percent.
Reach Ron Nunnari at (937) 684-9124 or email [email protected].
