What is on the ballot?
There are two issues on the ballot March 19:
-
The first issue proposes a temporary, 0.35 percent income tax to address streets, alleyways and other infrastructure in need of repair and maintenance. If approved, this tax would be in effect for five years—beginning January 1, 2025 —unless re-approved by voters. Funds would also be used to support economic development and municipal services.
-
The other issue is to make permanent the 0.15 percent parks and recreation tax approved in 2008. If approved, funds can go toward general parks, trails and recreation uses, such as new programs and upgrades.
Click to see a SAMPLE BALLOT
What does this mean for me?
The tax proposal is estimated to generate an additional $7 million a year for the City of Delaware over the course of five years to improve daily life in Delaware.
Revenue would be used to address key issues with local infrastructure—the things that touch our lives daily—that residents have already voiced concern over. This would include reducing the significant backlog of nearly 200 streets in need of repair, maintaining alleyways and completing other work to directly improve your everyday experience and quality of life as Delaware residents.
The tax change would be the first in over 10 years.
Residents would also have new recreation programming and park improvements.
Why is the City having trouble with funding?
The City has one of the lowest income tax rates in Central Ohio and is no longer producing enough revenue to maintain streets and meet growing service demands.
In addition, significant funding is being required for Delaware Municipal Court operations to offset revenue shortfalls. Previously, these operations were funded through American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which are no longer available. The City is required to fund the courts at $1.8 million this year, alone, and similar funding needs are anticipated for the future.
When was the last time the City of Delaware increased taxes?
The City of Delaware has not increased taxes in more than a decade — the last increase was approved by voters in 2010.
I live in Delaware but work in another city. What will I owe?
Residents who have taxable income pay Delaware tax on that income regardless of where that income is earned. If a resident pays tax to the city where that income is earned, they will receive a credit, up to 1.10%, against the 2.20% tax due to Delaware. In 1976 City Council voted to give residents that 50% credit for taxes paid to other cities.
Ok, what if I work in Delaware, but don’t live in Delaware?
Non-residents will pay 2.20% versus the previous 1.85%, an increase of .35%.
I live and work in the City of Delaware. What does that mean for me?
Residents who work in Delaware will pay 2.20% versus the previous 1.85%, an increase of .35%.
You mentioned a tax credit for working in another city but living in Delaware. How does it work?
Currently, a partial credit is given to Delaware residents for taxes paid to another city. The credit is for .50 percent of the tax paid to the other city or .50 percent of the tax owed to the City of Delaware—whichever amount is less. Here is an example of what a resident working and earning $75,000 in Columbus or Sunbury will owe to Delaware after the credit:
In this example, the resident working in Columbus will owe $825 to Delaware after allowed credit of $825. The resident working in Sunbury will owe $1275 to Delaware after allowed credit of $375.
Other cities offer a 100% tax credit. Why not Delaware?
Currently, nearly 80 percent of our residents work outside of the City of Delaware. To offset the financial impact of increasing the existing credit, we would first need to create more tax-generating jobs within city limits. This is why new tax money, if approved, would go toward creating project sites ready for new businesses and local job growth.
How will this tax proposal impact retirees or those outside of the workforce?
Social security, disability benefits, military compensation, unemployment benefits and retirement pension are not taxed as earned income and therefore would not be impacted by the proposed change.
What happens if the levy does not pass?
If the levy fails, the City will be greatly limited in its capacity to fund essential services and address pressing community needs – indefinitely extending the backlog of maintenance needed to fix roads, alleyways and other infrastructure. This will have a direct impact on residents’ quality of life.
There will be revenue shortfalls leading to continued deterioration of roads and public spaces already in disrepair that will reduce the quality of life of residents.
To accommodate the revenue loss, City Council would continue to analyze city expenditures, including potentially reevaluating the feasibility of maintaining the council-authorized income tax credit.
How can I calculate what my taxes will be?
To calculate the estimated individual impact of the increase, residents can use the tax impact calculator located in the above tab.
When is Election Day?
Election Day is March 19. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where do I go to vote?
Click here for a list of polling locations.
What should I bring with me to the poll?
There are several voter identification methods accepted in the State of Ohio, including a government-issued photo ID, military ID, utility bill, bank statement or paycheck. To view all accepted forms and additional detail, visit the Ohio Secretary of State website.
What if I can’t/don’t want to vote in person?
If you are unable to vote in person, there are still plenty of safe and easy ways you can cast your ballot.
-
Ballots for any military and overseas voters will begin going out on February 2.
-
Voter Registration Deadline: February 20
-
Early in-person voting begins February 21.
-
Vote-by-mail/mail-in absentee voting will be available beginning February 21 and must be postmarked by March 18.
Register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot.
