Ottawa County News

Theater Proposal On Payment Of Tax Gets Council Snub

Port Clinton's 1954-1955 Council passed out of existence Tuesday night after an hour and three quarters session in which Atty. Oliver True's proposition of a method by which the Clinton Theater would pay its delinquent admissions tax on an installment plan got the cold shoulder treatment.

Representing the Port Corporation which operates the theater, Attorney True offered this proposal: starting Jan. 1, "or tomorrow if you wish", the theater would pay the approximate $1600 it owes the city for 1955 three-percent admissions tax by making payments of three and a half mills.

At the same time it would also pay 1.65 cents, or three percent, on the current tax. It would guarantee payments of $350 annually till the delinquent amount was paid up.

After discussion, which grew heated, and in which Councilwoman Carlista Snyder charged the theater had already collected the tax from patrons because its printed tickets list this tax along with the federal tax, Council president Lee Bracken called for a motion either to accept or reject the theater's proposition, or to table the matter. None was forthcoming.

The matter ended abruptly with this motion by Schade: "I move we go on with regular business." It was seconded by Kastro. Snyder, Ruddock, and Petersen voted yes; Jeremy passed. Mizener was absent due to serious illness of his mother.

Interest Demanded

While the pay-up plan was under discussion, Mrs. Snyder asked if interest was to be paid. Att'y True said he believed it fair if the theater paid the rate of interest paid by the city on loans. He mentioned one and a half or one and three-quarters percent.

Treasurer George Tewers, who Jan. 1 becomes Port Clinton's new mayor, entered strenuous objection. "I wouldn't consider less than three and a half, and would be favorable to five percent," he said. "The city can't be put in a position of becoming a lending institution."

A heavy interest charge, warned Mr. True, could be the "breaking point."

The $25-per-day penalty which Mayor Harold Jeremy told the theater would be imposed for each day the tax was unpaid after Dec. 15 was brought up. Mr. True indicated this was collectible only if the license was revoked. But Att'y

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Adair Wilber, when questioned, said the admissions tax ordinance provides for such a penalty. Mr. True said he had called the Mayor and told him the suggested propo- sition of payment, and the Mayor had held off the enforcement until Council's meeting this week.

Al Ochs, identifying himself as an officer and stockholder of the Port Corporation, said he was will- ing to put into escrow the total amount of the 1955 tax, payable when the admissions tax is repeal- ed. His statement brought down fiery statements from Mrs. Snyder and Schade, the latter declaring the offer was an "outright bribe."

Att'y True asked for a counter proposal from Council but none was made.

Mr. Ochs, in asking Council leniency at the Dec. 13 meeting, said the theater had lost over $700 the first ten months of the year, and said the tax was not being universally collected. By a vote of 5 to 1 at that time. Council in- structed Mayor Jeremy to proceed with the normal procedure of col- lecting the delinquent tax.

It will be virtually the same members in the 1955-1956 Council who will face the unsettled ques- tion of collecting the tax. Boyd Martin, Democrat, who has been clerk, will replace Republican Lee Bracken as president; Ralph For- ster, Republican, goes in as new councilman-at-large in the place of Charles Ruddock who did not seek re-election and who has been ap- pointed safety service director; Democrats Carlista Snyder, Andy Kastro, Wilbur Petersen and Jack Mizener, and Republicans Schade and Dave Jeremy return to office.

It was the last Council meeting for Mayor Jeremy, Solicitor Wilber, and Wagener.

Sewer Trouble

Att'y True had a second matter to present to Council. North Mon- roe St. property owned by him and his sister was not served with in terceptor sewers when the new sys- tem was put in, he said, and he believed Council had a "moral ob- ligation" to remedy the matter, since it had been in the Monroe St. sewer which was an assessed sewer.

Contractor Oldfield was to do the work, but moved his equipment from town. It was decided outgoing service director Walter Wagener and new director Charles Ruddock will confer on the problem and will present a recommendation to Counci at the next meeting. at which Mr. Finkbeiner and project engineer Henry Hoenstein also will be present.

CommunityBuilding

Mrs. Oleta Lewis was spokesman for a trio of visitors who came to Council to inquire whether Erie Gardens Community Bldg. might be avalable for purchase by the First Church of God. The building has been used as an undenomina- tional Sunday School. Council told them no definite plans on Erie Gardens are yet available and said the Church will be notified of fu- ture developments.

Farewells Given

Council's last official act was pas- sage, under suspension of rules, of Ordinance 18 - 55 appropriating funds for the sewage disposal plant for this year. At request of auditor- elect Betty Carter, transfers of $116.21, $1,687.28, and $466.86 to cover balance - of - the - year pay- roll and city hall expenses were authorized.

Outgoing safety service director Walter Wagener said he will be very happy to cooperate with the new city administration. "I'm not ashamed of anything I've tried to do," said Mr. Wagener. "I've made lots of mistakes. but I've tried to do my best. I'll be glad to answer any questions or render any service after I leave office."

Outgoing Council president Lee Bracken also expressed his thanks to Council members for coopera- tion. "Nobody can say this has been a do-nothing Council," he declared. "The record shows it has done many things ofmajor importance to the city."

New city officers were to be in- stalled Thursday at 6:30 in the Council Chambers. Municipal Judge Don Wargowsky officiating, with an inaugural dinner following at 7:30 at the Island House.