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Committee would review levy proposals

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By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer Updated 6:45 PM Monday, March 15, 2010

HAMILTON — Butler County commissioners agreed Monday, March 15, that a committee should be formed to analyze the necessity of future proposed tax levies.

Commissioner Donald Dixon outlined a plan that calls for a new nine-member volunteer committee and a nearly yearlong process for reviewing levies before they go on the ballot.

It also limits the amount that levies can increase, not allowing them to exceed inflation.

Dixon said the plan is based largely on Hamilton County’s tax levy policy.

“I’ve talked to them about their committee, and they say they’ve saved a lot of money and it’s the hardest working committee they have appointed,” Dixon said. “If we can get it started, I think it’s going to add a lot of value for the taxpayers.”

Dixon’s plan would require agencies to hire a consultant to review their financial issues, operations and management structure. It requires a detailed plan on how levy money would be spent.

Based on this information, the levy review committee would recommend whether the tax is needed, at what rate and for how long.

“Make no mistake, the final decision rests with the board of commissioners,” Dixon said.

Monday’s vote only got the ball rolling and set a deadline to have details that commissioners can agree on by April 26.

Commissioner Charles Furmon expressed some concern about giving the committee too much power. He voted for the creation of a committee, but called for more discussion on the details.

Commission President Gregory Jolivette suggested adding a committee that also reviews capital expenditures before the county borrows money.

Dixon said an abridged version of the 335-day process would have to be created for this year, with a few new and controversial levies possibly on the ballot. This includes a proposed tax for Butler County MetroParks and a possible renewal or replacement for the senior services levy.

The senior levy was used as an argument for a tax review committee after the agency that administers it announced it could take in $21 million more than it needed. Levy collection has since reduced.

Dixon’s plan also sets rules on what surpluses can be used for, and forbids agencies from using levy funds for future levy campaigns. And it requires a financial review halfway through the life of the levy.

“(It will ask) are they on track? Are they spending on the rate they’re supposed to be spending? We don’t have any of that stuff now, and it just makes good fiscal policy,” Dixon said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175 or jsweigart@coxohio.com.

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