ST. CLAIRSVILLE is the exception to the rule when it comes to taxation.

The scenic Belmont County Seat does not impose a city income tax. St. Clairsville is the lone city in Ohio which can make that claim.

That may be changing, however, in the coming months.

St. C. residents will be the deciding voices on the proposed income tax, as well they should.

City council members Monday opted to place a 1 percent income tax on the November ballot. They did so by a resounding 7-0 vote.

We applaud longtime Mayor Bob Vincenzo, council members and all other city officials who have performed their respective jobs so well that St. C. has been able to operate without imposing a city tax. Such is no easy task, as reflected by the hardships being experienced in surrounding communities.

When it comes to finances, St. Clairsville is clearly a cut above other Belmont County entities.

With that said, good things sometimes have to come to an end. For St. C. residents, that may be living without a city income tax.

We are not privy to all financial matters that St. Clairsville leaders are dealing with. But if history is any indication, they have done an admirable job of keeping the city on a course of financial well-being.

So if they feel the need to impose a city income tax, we have faith in their decision. It could not have been easy to pursue such a drastic proposal.

But as should be the case, the ultimate decision whether a city tax is palatable rests with the voters in the November general election. Should a majority give thumbs up, the tax will become reality in January of 2011.

Tax proceeds would be utilized for capital improvements, general municipal operations, the police, street and recreation departments, litter program, National Road Bikeway and for matching ground funds.

St. Clairsville officials must make a valid case for the need of the tax while voters need to do their respective homework and gather as much information as possible before deciding the fate of a landmark issue.