CADIZ — Cadiz officials hope to raise the village’s income tax from 1 percent to 2 percent in order to help increase village revenue.

Cadiz Village Council made the decision to move forward with the potential increase during Monday’s special meeting. Council members unanimously approved an emergency ordinance and resolution to increase the village income tax from 1 percent to 2 percent during the special meeting. The special meeting was held due to the Aug. 5 submission deadline for the levy to be placed on the November ballot.

Mayor John Migliore read the emergency ordinance and emergency resolution during the meeting.

“A resolution requesting the Harrison County Board of Elections to place ordinance 2020-08 providing for a 2 percent levy on income on the ballot on the general election to be held on Nov. 1, 2020,” he said.

Both the ordinance and the resolution were unanimously passed.

Clerk/Treasurer Amy Ossman said the increase has been under consideration for some time now.

“Our revenue is down now in the general fund; and it goes into our general fund, street paving and equipment fund,” she said.

Due to COVID-19, the village has seen a decrease in income tax revenue for the first half of the year. The village’s income tax collections for the first six months are down $160,000.

Ossman said most surrounding areas already have a 2 percent income tax in place.

Village Administrator Ted Andrzejewski said the income tax only impacts those who work in the village.

“If you’re paying 2 percent (income tax) to St. Clairsville, you will not be paying an additional 2 percent. … This is only on earned income. Social Security would not be taxed,” he said. “If you live in St. Clairsville but work in Cadiz you would pay the 2 percent to Cadiz. The people working in Cadiz will be paying the income tax.”

The increase in income tax will help provide financial support for street paving and other village expenses.

The levy will be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot. If passed, the levy would go into effect January 2021.

Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the municipal building in Cadiz.