COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections indicated Columbus voters approved the half-percent income tax hike Tuesday.
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NBC 4 got right to the point on the day after the special election.
Columbus told its voters the city income tax had to be raised from 2 percent to 2.5 percent because it is facing a budget gap of $115 million.
Otherwise, more than 300 police officers and more than 200 firefighters could have received pink slips. Essential city services also would have been cut.
According to unofficial results, there were 45,970 votes (51 percent) in favor of the issue and 42,943 votes (48 percent) against.
The city said the voters’ support of Issue 1 means cuts have been averted.
Mayor Mike Coleman thanked city voters for their approval and support for Issue 1.
“In times of crisis, we step up. In times of crisis, when there’s a call to action, our people, our city steps up. I am proud of how we have accomplished this,” Coleman said Tuesday night.
Coleman said the fire and police layoffs and expected cuts won’t happen thanks to the voters’ approval.
People who work in Columbus won’t notice a difference in their paychecks immediately. The increase will go into effect Oct. 1, 2009.
Columbus workers will pay $50 more for every $10,000 they make annually.
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