One more shot at the ballot is what the city of Gahanna is giving its residents, after some people said they didn't realize the effect a failed November income-tax issue would have on parks and recreation and other services.

"We believe (with) this past issue, there was a miscommunication on some ends," said Brian Metzbower, council president. "There were a lot of areas in which people didn't fully understand the issue and implications. And so, we as a council, are saying, 'Mea culpa.' Just give us that additional shot to communicate this in the proper way."

Gahanna City Council on Feb. 4 voted 6-1 to return to voters May 7 with an income-tax issue nearly identical to what narrowly failed in November.

That issue proposed an income-tax increase from 1.5 to 2.5 percent. Council had promised to pass legislation increasing the tax credit from 83.33 to 100 percent to those who pay municipal taxes elsewhere if voters approved the increase. Voters did not, as the issue failed 8,886 to 8,741 votes, or 50.41 percent against to 49.59 percent.

Voting in favor of returning in May were Metzbower and Karen Angelou, Nancy McGregor, Michael Schnetzer, Stephen Renner and Brian Larick. Councilman Jamie Leeseberg cast the lone dissenting vote.

With the new issue, the ballot language includes an increase of the tax credit to 100 percent.

The other difference is the language describing the tax revenue's use.

Schnetzer asked to amend wording of the proposed ballot language to provide specifics so voters know exactly what the issue would provide.

Council unanimously approved that amendment.

"I don't know that capital improvements resonate with a lot of people," Schnetzer said.

The ballot language states that 75 percent of the revenue resulting from the increase in income tax, if approved, would be dedicated for the purposes of capital improvements and equipment for infrastructure, public safety, municipal facilities or parks and recreation, to include but not be limited to streets, buildings, parks facilities, trails and playground elements, maintenance and repair of the equipment, and paying debt service for such purposes.

The other 25 percent would fund operations for public safety, public service or parks and recreation, to include but not limited to police protection, 911 emergency services, snow removal, street light and traffic-signal maintenance, and parks-and-recreation programs.

Leeseberg said a May ballot issue feels rushed.

"There's potential for mistakes," he said. "We also had (residents) who showed up and wanted to lead this on their own."

Angelou said it would have cost $45,000 for the residents to place an issue on the ballot during an August special election, and they would have had to gather 1,800 signatures.

"I see the point; it appears rushed," she said. "I have great confidence in the people wanting to get this passed. We all know what will happen if it doesn't pass. I think the people of Gahanna will step up and do the right thing."

Metzbower said council is inspired by the citizens group.

"That's why we have this path going forward," he said. "The citizens stood up and actually said, 'No, we need another bite at the apple here. Just give it that shot.' "

Carrin Wester was part of Residents Ballot Initiative for Gahanna, a steering committee that appeared before council to commit to working with other residents toward a tax issue for a special election in August. Now she's a member of a political-action committee called Gahanna Residents Improving Tomorrow.

"Our team is completely committed to seeing this income-tax restructuring pass in 2019," she said, after council decided to place the issue on the May ballot.

"Our revenue has fallen short of our needed operating and capital expenses for years; and will continue to fall short without a change in the income-tax rate," she said.

After 42 years without a change, Wester said, it's time to increase the rate as all other communities in Franklin County have done in recent years.

"Council has chosen to put this issue on the May ballot, which is sooner than we originally expected. However, we support this decision, as this need for more revenue is urgent and critical to maintain our city and quality of life," she said.

Wester said residents have expressed their desire to keep in place the services and resources they have come to expect in Gahanna.

"Council has responded to that feedback and is giving us another chance to fund services we want," she said.

Wester said the 2.5 percent rate paired with a 100 percent credit for taxes paid to other municipalities would provide the money needed to pay for services important to residents, maintain and enhance infrastructure, and fund some of the projects that will make Gahanna a desirable community for decades to come.

Leeseberg said he doesn't want his "no" vote to be misinterpreted as lack of support, adding he hopes voters approve it.

Wester said Gahanna Residents Improving Tomorrow is working hard to launch a successful campaign.

mkuhlman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekMarla