CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Chillicothe City Council is hosting two public information sessions this month to answer questions about a proposed 0.2% Earned Income Tax Levy renewal aimed at funding street and alley repairs across the city.
The levy, which expired at the end of 2025, would be renewed for ten years and run through 2036. If approved, it is expected to generate approximately $2 million annually, with revenue increasing as incomes in the city grow.
The tax applies only to earned income for residents who live and work within city limits. Retirement income and Social Security are not subject to the levy. A resident earning $50,000 annually would pay $100 per year under the renewal.
Over the past decade, the city used the original levy to resurface 70 of its 107 miles of streets — roughly 65% — and five of its 27 miles of alleys, or about 19%. City officials say the first levy was never intended to permanently solve the problem, but to address the worst conditions while long-term needs were assessed.
If the renewal passes, officials anticipate completing all remaining streets and alleys within six to seven years, at which point some roads will be due for a second resurfacing. The city says a temporary levy will allow for a more accurate assessment of needs before pursuing a permanent levy in the future.
Street prioritization is determined through an annual contract with Pavement Management Group, which videos and grades every street from excellent to failed. That data, combined with available funding, projected utility work, and ODOT scheduling, determines which roads are addressed each year.
Council at Large member Jeff Creed will facilitate both public sessions.
The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at 6:00 p.m. at the Chillicothe Main Library Annex, Room D, 40 West Fifth Street. A second session will be held at 6:00 p.m. at First Church of God, 780 East Water Street, in the Fellowship Hall. No date was listed for the second meeting in the announcement.
All citizens and taxpayers are invited to attend.