Tuesday, October 28th, 2014
New Bremen council nixes rule requiring residents to attach tax forms
By David Giesige
NEW BREMEN - Village officials will no longer require residents to attach their federal tax forms when they file their village taxes.
Councilman John Schwartz raised concerns about the rule at Monday's village council meeting.
"I don't think this sort of thing should be mandatory, I only see it bogging down the system with unnecessary information," Schwartz said.
Other council members and solicitor Steve Smith agreed.
Smith also voiced concern about online piracy if the 1040s were filed electronically.
"If this information stays in paper form, it is less likely to be pirated. We would be getting information that we won't be using and that we won't be taxing. If that information becomes digital and there is a security breach, I'm not sure that our governmental function would cover what we aren't taxing," Smith said.
Council members voted to end the mandatory 1040 filing. The revised amendment still mandates tax filing and fines for late submissions. A $25 fine will be assessed to those filing within 90 days after the deadline while a $50 fine will be assessed to those filing at least 91 days after the deadline, Smith said.
Village administrator Wayne York also reported the water tower overflow project should be finished before winter. The project is to construct a storm sewer at the base of the water tower to prevent flooding. Last year such flooding affected Crown Equipment when subzero temperatures caused the tower to overflow, York said. The project is not to exceed $50,000, York said. The new sewer will also serve as the storm sewer along state Route 274, he said.
In other news,
• york said a Stolly representative will be at the Nov. 10 meeting to recommend village insurance packages, York said.
• council members approved York's proposal to begin advertising for the annual salt bids for city water treatment and for the public pool.
• council members noted the nearing completion of the towpath and proposed a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Transportation, which provided funding for the project.
• council members requested suggestions from the public for next year's 60th annual Cider Time celebration. Those with suggestions or ideas for new costume categories should contact the village office.
• council members reminded the public the police chief is in charge of closing off parks and parking lots for special events. Those looking to host an event at one of these venues should contact the chief.
