Port Washington council hears tax update, department reports

At the Dec. 2 meeting of Port Washington Village Council, Income Tax Administrator Donna Meek said three out of four residents recently cited for delinquent income tax filing have complied with payment. Village Solicitor Mark Perlaky will pursue the noncompliant case with court action.

In June Meek began more actively pursuing cases of residents not filing income taxes and those owing back taxes amounting to a total of $11,000. The result has been largely positive, with Meek reporting in October she had collected $5,512 in overdue taxes.

Reports to council

Mayor Tom Gardner gave the streets report for Tim Bryant, stating, among other activities, that a pothole in front of Dollar General has been fixed, a spindle pulley and two tension springs were replaced on the mower, and Bryant assisted Brandie Bourne with installing Christmas lights on the Main Street light poles.

Gardner also handled the police report, saying a total of 146 hours were tallied by the department in the month of November.

In zoning, DJ Meek said easement papers for the sidewalk project have been signed and submitted to the Thrasher Group. He also pointed out issues with an electrical breaker on a pole at the village square.

Council President Joe Bourne reported three calls were handled by the fire department during November; two calls were auto accidents and one was a mutual assistance call made by the Newcomerstown Fire Department.

Council member Ed Steffek reported the LoveTusc sculpture on the square appears to be deteriorating and want to bring in inside out of the weather. Steffek said placing it in the Historical Society Building may be one option.

Legislation

Council passed a resolution on an emergency basis to enter into an agreement with the Tuscarawas County Jail to house prisoners at a cost of $90 per day during 2006.

Announcements

Council member Brandie Bourne said there will be a breakfast at the Delaware Fire Department Dec. 13 from 8-10 a.m.

The Dec. 16 council meeting will be moved to Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. Port Washington Council typically meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.