By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

New Washington Village Council received some good news in the tax department on Monday as the village has collected an increase from last year.

In her report to village council, Income Tax Administrator Pat Krebs reported that village income tax received a boost of over $32,000 over the past year, collecting $199,740.32. Krebs credited the income tax rate of 1.5 percent and the income tax credit of .75 percent as being the reason for the increase. Krebs also reported that business tax withholdings were down $14,000 from the past year.

In the tax delinquents department Krebs reported that from 2012 to 2016, a total of $3,574 in tax delinquencies were being sought to be collected. Krebs noted that her first mailing for the delinquencies was on April 28 to 78 individuals and one business. Of those delinquencies, 22 owe tax with six contacting the village tax department. Fifty-four individuals and one business were reported by Krebs as to have not filed.

Continuing honoring individuals and organizations that help make New Washington a better place to live, the New Washington United Methodist Church was commended at the meeting.

“The village has always put a priority in the schools and churches, so we began the program by thanking and recognizing the schools and churches,” Mayor Ben Lash said. “This evening we are thanking and recognizing the New Washington United Methodist Church for the work that they have done in the community.”

In his report to council Lash noted that the police chief had contacted Crestbending about the trucks driving down Center Street and tearing up a few yards. Lash explained that, according to Crestbending, the trucks that turned down the road were driven by inexperienced drivers who had used GPS to get to the factory, which has a John Street address. Lash added that he would look into the possibility of having Crestbending change its address to a Kibler Street listing in order for the drivers to get to their correct destination.

In his report to council Village Administrator Norm Lucius said that he handed out six mowing notices to residents in the village. Lucius asked if there was anything that the village could do to have them do a better job as it is the same people and is getting to be a hassle.

Village Solicitor Tim Obringer said he would look into the matter.