A plan for maintaining our great city, our local economy, quality of life and neighborhood safety.
Columbus is a great place to live, work and raise a family
- That’s been our shared mission for the last 10 years, and we’ve been very successful
- We are winning national recognition for Columbus’ great quality of life, as we continue to grow into the 21st Century, both economically and in population
- City’s mission today – bring people together to protect our progress and success – our economy, safety and neighborhoods
Columbus’ 3-Point Plan
1. Create jobs by aggressive economic development and business attraction, making the most of capital investment and the high quality of life in our neighborhoods.
2. Reform Government by making operations more efficient and accountable, saving $100 to $150 million over next 10 years.
3. Raise Revenue by asking voters to support a .5% (half-penny) increase to the income tax rate to maintain neighborhood health and safety services.
| Two thirds of the City budget operates off the income tax, but we’ve not increased the rate in 27 years. Prior to 1982, the rate was raised by .5% on average every 11 years to keep up with rising costs of serving neighborhoods and a growing population. |
| Conservative fiscal management by the Mayor, City Council, Auditor and Departments has meant millions in savings every year as Columbus spent almost $70 million less than budgeted. |
Savings from reforms, greater accountability and increased efficiency
Health Care Contributions Increased - saved $5.2 million in 2008 on health insurance by requiring employees to pay more, up from 3% in 2003 to 9%
Workers Comp Savings –$12.5 million in refunds due to cost savings practices
32.3% reduction in civilians since 2000, while the number of Police Officers grew and Firefighters were maintained
Public Safety is now 73% of the City budget, clearly Columbus #1 priority, while 32.3% of civilian positions have been cut. |
2001 vs. 2009 Comparison
| Social Services | Cut 67.0% |
| Neighborhood Health Centers | Cut 32.5% |
| Franklin Park Conservatory | Cut 91.0% |
| Home Care and Hospice Services | Cut 100% |
| Vehicle Replacement (mostly cruisers) | Cut 74.0% |
| Health Dept. general fund subsidy | Cut 18.6% |
| Recreation & Parks general fund subsidy | Cut 30.0.% |
| Code Enforcement | Cut 15.0% |
| Refuse Collection | Cut 25.0% |
2009 Spending Reductions
No new Recruit Classes for Police or Fire
Reduction in Yard Waste Collection
Closed 11 Recreation Centers and several pools
More than 300 layoffs and unfilled positions
Cut pay increases, except those in contracts
5-day temporary lay-off for all civilian employees, equal to 2% pay cut for the year
Created early-retirement incentive program
Cut Neighborhood Health Centers by $1 million
Eliminate most fleet vehicle replacement
$16 million more cut from spending and Rainy Day Fund in May 2009
Balancing the 2010 budget without new revenue means cuts that affect our quality of life
$115 million needed to maintain services and balance 2010 budget
73% of City Budget is for the Department of Public Safety
Without new revenue, $100+ million in cuts could include:
Layoff of hundreds of Police Officers and Firefighters
No yard waste collection, bulk trash pickup or emergency social services
No recreation and parks services
Trash collection cut to every other week
No Code Enforcement
No funding for Neighborhood Health Centers
Recession means less investment in neighborhoods and economic development
Why 0.5%? Why August?
$115 million needed to maintain critical public safety, economic development and neighborhood services
0.5% increase will produce $90-100 million in revenue
A household garbage fee would raise only $30 to $40 million, not covering real costs, and hurting seniors and homeowners on fixed incomes
If voters choose not to support an income tax rate increase, cuts must begin mid-year to ensure a balanced 2010 budget submitted by November 15
If voters support the increase, collection begins in October, allowing an extra 3 months of revenues
What does 0.5% mean to me?
Small Burden– Big Benefit
0.5% (a half-penny) rate increase is $4.17 a month for every $10,000 income
This would be less than $17 a month for the average middle class family making $40,000 a year
The income tax is more fair because it is spread over everyone who uses City services, including people who work in Columbus, not just homeowners
More people paying means we all pay less
53% will be paid by people who drive in for work
Even with a rate increase, a Columbus worker making $40k enjoys a lower overall annual cost of living compared to the average American worker, by nearly $4,000
Fair exemptions protect seniors, those on fixed incomes and others
No tax on pensions or Social Security
No tax on interest from savings accounts
No tax on dividends or capital gains
No tax on disability benefits
No tax on military pay
No tax on income for those under age 18
No tax on veterans benefits
No tax on 401(k) distributions
Additional Information
10 Year Reform Blueprint
2009 City Budget Information
Economic Advisory Committee Final Report