Warren OKs increase in vehicle license tax

WARREN — City council has approved an increase in the city’s vehicle license tax from $10 to $15 per year.

The legislation was approved 7-3 at Wednesdays regular meeting, with Councilmen Vincent Flask, Bob Dean and Al Novak voting no.

The legislation, sponsored by Andy Barkley and James “Doc” Pugh, will increase the amount the city receives for use on road repairs by about $160,000 to $170,000 per year. The additional amount will be charged starting Jan. 1, 2010. To be in effect by Jan. 1, 2010, the city had to approve the legislation by June 1 to provide 30 days for the legislation to become law.

Greg Hicks, Warren law director, said he believes the reason the Ohio Legislature required the 30 days to pass so that the public has the ability to challenge the tax increase by referendum.