Many people in Villa Hills are very upset that Mike Martin walked away from his campaign commitment to repeal the $40 per car license fee. That now-broken promise was the main reason Martin got their vote in the last election. The only way the fee will go away now is if these same voters approve Martin's proposed FORTY PERCENT PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.
That property tax hike will cost you more than the dreaded "sticker tax", unless you are one of a fairly small percentage of residents paying the license fee for more than three cars. The Martin Chronicles did a little homework. Less than 175 of Villa Hills' roughly 2,500 households would see a tax reduction resulting from Martin's proposed property tax hike. The rest will see their local tax burden rise. Many will see a SIGNIFICANT TAX INCREASE.
As always, there is more. Those who have been dodging the license fee now face legal action. Martin has empowered the city attorney to pursue the "free-roaders" in court, including pinning them with additional fines and court costs. While The Martin Chronicles believes everyone should pay the license fee as long as it is in place, we question the way Martin is doing it.
The city has had a Code Enforcement Board for several years. This board could send letters to residents not in compliance. This board has the power to fine people who evade the fee. This board could provide a forum for residents who want to challenge the fee and fines. Put simply, the board could handle the entire enforcement and collection process. THEY COULD DO SO AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE TAXPAYERS.
Why is Martin once again generating unnecessary billable hours for the city attorney? Legal fees have risen sharply enough already. Why not use the volunteer board that was created to deal with such matters?
