ASHTABULA — City Council passed a resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 335 at a Monday meeting.
The bill was sponsored by Ohio House 65th District Rep. David Thomas, who is a former Ashtabula County Auditor.
If passed, the bill would eliminate inside mileage, transfer local budget authority to county budget commissions and implement other significant changes to Ohio property taxes.
Republican Ward 5 Councilperson Jane DiGiacomo said she considers Thomas a family friend, and respects his leadership, but cannot support the bill.
“While I believe it was introduced with genuine concern for a system in need of reform, [the bill] ultimately creates new challenges without fully addressing the root issues,” she said.
DiGiacomo’s opposition to the bill comes from her responsibilities to the city, she said.
“We cannot afford to impose one-size-fits-all solutions that may do more harm than good,” she said.
Council President John Roskovics said if the bill goes into effect, it could lead to the disappearance of libraries and public schools.
“Some of the stuff happening in Columbus, I don’t know if they’re thinking about what they’re proposing,” he said.
Council Vice President Russell Simeone said he wished the state would give more guidance for how local governments could adapt financially.
Many state legislators have not had experience in municipal and local government, so they do not understand how damaging the bill would be, Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere said.
Council voted 5-2 on a 100% tax abatement for seven years for a property in the 1000 block of Ohio Avenue.
DiGiacomo and Ward 3 Councilperson RoLesia Holman voted against the 100% abatement, saying the city should consider not always giving 100% when possible.
An abatement for the same property at 75% failed at a June 2 council meeting. Council members had felt the property should have the option of a 100% abatement given to other property owners.
Timonere had recommended the 75% initially, because the city would be doing stormwater work at the property, he said.
Council moved two ordinances to second reading related to golf cart usage in the city.
Council had passed an ordinance 4-3 June 2 allowing golf carts in certain parts of the city on streets with a 25-mile per hour speed limit from May 1 to Oct. 1.
The legislation will not go into effect for 30 days until after it passed, because of the close vote.
The two new ordinances will repeal the previous legislation and replace it with new legislation which includes slight changes.
City Solicitor Cecilia Cooper said under the potential changes, golf carts would be barred from Lake Avenue, but permitted on Columbus Avenue, even though that street has a 35 mile per hour speed limit.
Golf carts would be allowed to operate from 6 a.m.- midnight, she said.
The city honored retiring police Lieutenant William Parkomaki.
Ward 2 Councilperson Terrence Guerriero read resolution honoring Parkomaki.
Cooper said Parkomaki is respected by other departments in Ashtabula County and led a lot of active shooter training throughout the county.
Local resident Anthony Oquendo asked Timonere if he had heard back from CSX.
Oquendo has attended previous council meetings, raising concerns about a CSX overpass on Lake Avenue.
Timonere said CSX is willing to give city leaders a tour of the underpass and answer questions, but a date has not been selected for that yet.
Cooper said her office has brought on a part-time victim’s advocate for the city.
Council approved the hiring of Monika Brown and Shane Posey as patrol officers for APD.
The city entered into a $69,650 contract with Envision Group, to prepare an update to the city’s comprehensive plan.
Council approved a union contract with the Fraternal Order of Police.
The city entered into a $10,000 contract with Shadrock’s Tree Service for tree removal.
The city purchased three Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles for the police department.
The city will have a tax budget hearing 6 p.m. next Monday.