> ---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
> Subject: Legislative Update
> From:    "Heidi Fought" <[log in to unmask]>
> Date:    Fri, January 21, 2011 5:33 pm
> To:
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> BILL TO ELIMINATE ESTATE TAX INTRODUCED IN HOUSE
> On January 13 HB 3 was introduced in the House.  The goal of HB 3 is to
> eliminate the estate tax, effective January 1, 2011.  What this means for
> townships is that another revenue source would be taken away without any
> replacement revenue source being offered.
>
> The impact of the estate tax is felt by large and small townships but the
> actual amounts vary greatly and are all relative.  We had one township
> tells us that they received a $50,000 estate tax payment that helped them
> from having their general fund go in the red.  On the other end of the
> spectrum, we have townships that average $2 million in estate tax payments
> annually.  Again, it is all relative.
>
> That said, we have been hearing a variety of things regarding the passage
> of HB 3.  We have been informed that sponsor testimony on HB 3 will take
> place next week in the House Ways & Means Committee.   The chairman of the
> Committee is Rep. Peter Stautberg.  Other members of the committee
> include: Rep. Amstutz, Rep. Baker, Rep. Barnes, Rep. Beck, Rep. Blair,
> Rep. Boose, Rep. Dovilla, Rep. Fende, Rep. Foley, Rep. Hayes, Rep. Letson,
> Rep. Maag, Rep. McClain, Rep. Milkovich, Rep. Slesnick, and Rep. Winburn.
>
> The following two weeks will likely be proponent testimony and then
> opponent testimony will follow.  If you are interested in testifying on
> this bill, please let me know and I will put you on the list to receive
> details about committee hearings.
>
> In meeting with Chairman Stautberg, the OTA was strongly encouraged to
> submit alternative proposals on this issue that would make the bill more
> palatable to townships.  OTA staff will work with the Board and others to
> submit proposals.  Should you have any thoughts on this, please share them
> with us
>
> Now, what can you do on this issue?  There are several things.
> 1) Make sure your legislator is aware of any estate tax payments your
> township has received and how your township used that money.  Be specific!
> If you purchased a fire truck, land for a park, paid an EMS contract, or
> other such things, tell them!  Should the estate tax disappear, let them
> know what your township will have to do to make up the lost revenue.
> 2) Make sure your legislator is aware of the amount of Local Government
> Fund and Estate Tax money that your general fund received last year and
> the percentage of those two sources to the total amount your general fund
> received.
> 3)  Send a letter the members of the Ways & Means Committee providing them
> with the same information. (attached sheet with ideas for inclusion in
> letter)
> 4) Share the attached editorials with your local newspapers and see if
> they would be willing to write an editorial on this matter.
>
>
> OTHER BILLS INTRODUCED SO FAR
> There have been a handful of other bills that could or will have an impact
> on townships.  Please find attached the OTA's status sheet listing those
> bills.  The OTA web site will be updated next week to include this
> information and 129th GA information.
>
>
> POSSIBLE BILLS OTA WORKING ON
> The OTA is working with several legislators that have expressed interest
> in sponsoring township-friendly legislation.  Some of the items we are
> working on include:
> - joint police district language
> - shared services bill (was SB 273 last GA)
> - altering record keeping requirements for trustee pay
> - permitting fiscal officer salary to be drawn from funds other than
> general fund
> - increasing the competitive bidding thresholds
>
> Should any of these items be introduced as legislation, we will let you 
> know.
>
>
> MANDATES ON TOWNSHIPS
> In all of our legislative meetings thus far, each legislator has asked us
> for any mandates that are placed on townships that, if removed, would save
> the township money.
> You may recall that several weeks ago we sent a legislative request asking
> you for such suggestions.  We have had quite a few responses but if you
> have a mandate that you would like to see eliminated, please send
> information our way.
>
>
>
>
> Heidi M. Fought
> Director of Governmental Affairs
> Ohio Township Association
> 6500 Taylor Road, Suite A
> Blacklick, OH 43004
> (614) 863-0045
> (614) 863-9751 Fax
>
>
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