While the Marshall County Council is considering possible tax increases, State Representative Tim Harman has a few ideas of his own.
The Republican legislator appeared on Tuesday before the Council during a public hearing to comment on the county’s budget position and how a bit of creativity may prevent a possible tax increase.
Harman says he has a few thoughts for the Council to consider.
“We do need to spend money on the roads, we do need to fix our roads,” says Harman. “But we can do this, and I’m telling you we can do this without a tax increase because the numbers say we can do that.”
Marshall County is considering a wheel tax and a County Economic Development Income Tax. The former is designed to provide a long-term funding solution to the county’s roadways.
A good mix of opinions was brought forward on Tuesday, but Harman says he’s prepared to share his ideas with the public. The state representative says he is hosting a public meeting at the Plymouth Public Library on June 9th to explain the concept in detail.
Harman says there are $14-million in reserves that could be utilized under current state statute.
“Out of $14.1-million, you could choose $5-million, $3-million, $2-million whatever that number is, whatever you feel comfortable with,” says Harman. “You also want to take into consideration the projected expenses coming into the county. But I’m just saying that there is money available if you want to bump it up a little bit.”
Council members largely remained silent during this week’s public hearing.
Marshall County’s various communities have already provided their comments in favor of passing both tax increases. The County Council is expected to vote on the matter at some point this year.
