UPDATED Minutes of July 13 finance committee and recommendation

The council packet including agenda HERE

By Paula Pyzik Scott

On Monday, June 24, Bluffton Council passed the third readings of a resolution and an ordinance that will enable them to put new funding for Safety Services–Bluffton EMS, Fire and Police–before Bluffton voters on the November 5 ballot and to begin collecting it in 2025.

One resident attended the meeting and spoke to council about the proposal to increase Bluffton’s income tax by 0.4% for a total of 1.65%.

Ben Hill thanked the Council for its transparency in its proceedings and said Safety Services needs were made apparent in the public meetings held recently. 

Hill asked if Council would consider pulling the third vote to find additional funding sources that would allow for a lower increase than 0.4%. He named EMS hard billing and increased support from Richland Township.

Council Ben Stahl replied that additional funding from Richland Township had been considered and that the township increasing taxes “didn’t seem hopeful.”

Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn commented that hard billing of EMS services (direct billing individuals who not transported to the hospital) would amount to tens of thousands. The additional funding that would be created by the new income tax is $ 28,928,590.

The following projections for Safety Services expenses, revenue and funding were presented by the Village of Bluffton at the two public meetings and at the June Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Projected 20-year Safety Services Expenses

Projected 20-year Safety Services Revenue

Projected 20-year Safety Services Funding

Income Tax % Funding Provided

0.25%     $ 19,500,010

0.30%       23,400,012

0.35%       27,300,014

0.40%       31,200,016