Marshall County Coroner John Grolich, who is also the president of the Marshall County Firefighters Association, presented a request to the Marshall County Commissioners Monday, April 1.
He noted that House Bill 1454 recently passed in the state legislature that creates the possibility of the County Council to consider a Public Safety Local Income Tax (LIT) for fire departments and EMS.
“It provides from a .01 to .05 percent on income tax, explained Grolich. “Our legislators have established that this year our income tax is 3.15. Next year it is 3.0 and in 2026 it is going to be 2.9. What I would like to do is get support from the commissioners so when I go to the council at the next County Council meeting that I can present that support.”
He said research shows that $14 million a year is generated in income in Marshall County so a .05 income tax would produce about $700,000 for emergency responders.
Of the money that is generated, in discussions with Baker Tilly representatives, the revenue could be divided however the County Council would decide, if it passes. Grolich commented that he hopes the money will be evenly distributed, even if a fire territory is established.
Commission President Stan Klotz felt that it is not a good time for a tax increase, even if it is small, although public safety is a priority. He believes other solutions could be found rather than raising taxes.
Commissioner Kevin Overmyer noted that there is never a good time for a tax increase, but believes that if the county does not help fund public safety that then they are falling short. He then made a motion to support a non-binding recommendation to the Marshall County Council for a .05 Public Safety LIT. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Michael Burroughs and the motion passed with a vote of 2-1 with Overmyer and Burroughs voting in favor of the motion and Klotz opposing the motion.
