From Sylvia Hanneken
This posting by the Macedonia Police Department (see post here) misrepresents my thoughts and views. First, I have not said that anyone is overpaid. Second, it is true that Macedonia employees have received the following raises beginning in 2012 (3%), 2013 (3%), 2014 (2%), 2015 (2%), and 2016 (2.75%). The cumulative effect of these salary increases is actually above 13% over the period, but I was using a more conservative calculation. Third, since I have been on Council, I have voted FOR the raises negotiated by the Macedonia Mayor in every case. Fourth, the base income tax rate for Macedonia for the past two decades has been 1.75% which includes all police, fire, service worker employees, and paying for city vehicles, City Hall, the 82 railroad bridge, Route 82 widening etc. The additional 1/4% that brought the total income tax rate to 2% was strictly dedicated to Recreation Center construction and operation and continuing the income tax rate at 2% with 1/4% dedicated to roads, city vehicles and infrastructure leaves room in the 1.75% for department expenditures and the existing personnel. Finally, I have not suggested, as one of the more ridiculous comments says below that Macedonia should layoff police or fire safety forces. or ANY employees. Clearly our residents prioritize safety forces and vehicles above other city expenditures and I fully concur with that priority. For those who want to know my actual views on Issue 3 and the overall tax rate we need (and why), I recommend you view the following video/briefing I presented on April 22nd. http://maccivic.org/issue-3-briefing-at-nordonia-hills…/
Sylvia Hanneken
