Port Washington council to draft resolution opposing property tax repeal

At its Nov. 4 meeting, Port Washington council voted to have Mark Perlaky, village solicitor, draft a resolution opposing a proposed state constitutional amendment to repeal property taxes. If the measure should be placed on the general election ballot next year and pass, village officials said funding for schools, fire and police protection and other programs in the village will be significantly jeopardized.

The issue of banning property taxes was discussed in previous meetings with John Bourne, chief of the Delaware Volunteer Fire Department. According to Bourne, there is great concern that if real estate taxes are repealed, it will leave departments like the DVFD without the funding necessary to operate. Bourne further stated that many fire departments may have to dissolve, and EMS services will also be affected.

To initiate council discussion of the matter, Mayor Tom Gardner presented a copy of a similar resolution recently passed by Strasburg Village Council that was shared during the most recent Tuscarawas County Mayors’ meeting. Perlaky agreed to draft a resolution for a council vote at a future meeting.

In reports—

Gardner and Council Member Brandie Bourne agreed to contact volunteers and schedule a date to put up the village Christmas decorations before the weather turns much colder.

Gardner also expressed gratitude to the fire and police departments for their help during trick or treat.

Street Supervisor Tim Bryant reported having trimmed multiple trees at the cemetery with the help of Gardner. He said 10 loads of brush have been removed so far with additional trimming expected to take place.

Zoning Administrator DJ Meek reported having finalized a building permit for a shed issued to Michael Miller on Canal Street.

Brandie Bourne reported plumbing issues in the restrooms at the fire station and said she has contacted Peterman Plumbing to address the problem. She also said there will be no Fire Department Breakfast for November due to a lack of volunteer help.

In other business—

Council voted to give $25 gift cards to all non-elected employees and staff as is typical for Christmas.

Council also voted to amend appropriations in order to account for addition revenue received for the Cemetery Fund.

Before adjourning, council voted to meet in executive session to discuss the handling of a land contract on village property. In addition to current council members, the session was attended by incoming council members Jeff McDonald and Jeff Gardner, Mayor’s Assistant DJ Meek and Perlaky, who requested the session.

At issue was a land contract agreement on a Main Street property owned by the village where the tenants have not been in compliance for a lengthy period of time. Council authorized Perlaky to serve a 90-day eviction notice to the current tenants.

Port Washington Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.