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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 27, 2017)
Polk County Social Polk County Itemizer-Observer • December 27, 2017 7A News worth following in 2018 Four new taxes coming in 2018 Itemizer-Observer staff report POLK COUNTY — It is traditional to take a look back through the year as the end of 2017 arrives. This year, the Itemizer- Observer staff wanted to look ahead. We don’t have a crys- tal ball, so can’t be certain what the year will bring, but here are a few things we ex- pect to keep an eye on in 2018. Here are just a few things we expect to see hap- pen and report on. What would you like us to watch for in 2018? — City of Dallas city manager position When the Dallas City Council terminated city manager Ron Foggin for no cause, and then hired Greg Ellis to serve as interim city manager, we put the recruit- ment and hiring of a new city manager on our list of things to watch. We have since discovered Ellis may stay for up to two years as interim, and so this item may not end up hap- pening until 2019 or 2020. — Dallas Booster Club’s turf fundraising Dallas Booster Club start- ed raising money and in- kind donations from the community last summer to build an artificial turf field at Dallas High School. The project really took off when the Dallas School Board agreed to pay for a new track if the field project was suc- cessful. We are eager to see the fundraising reach its goals and a new field installed soon. If the booster club reaches its goal for this year, the new track will be in- stalled in the summer of 2019. — Independence Landing The development at Inde- pendence Landing in down- town Independence on the waterfront has been in the works since Independence purchased the property from Valley Concrete. The city put in the money and man hours to get the land ready for development, and build streets and infra- structure. Officials then nurtured a deal with Tokola Properties for a hotel and residential units. We expect to see the de- veloper break ground on the hotel this spring, if it goes according to plan, and be finished within two years. — May election We have quite a few local seats up for election in 2018. We’ll keep an eye on how that changes the face of the our local governments — if at all. — Highway 99W project The city of Monmouth and Oregon Department of Transportation have been working together for a few years to redesign the stretch of Highway 99W that goes through Monmouth. Last year, the two got clos- er to agreeing on what should be done and who will have to pay for what. We ex- pect to see this project take serious shape this year. — We hope to see more businesses in downtown and progress being made on that corner property. — Dallas events: Summerfest After the smashing suc- cess of the events surround- ing the Great American Eclipse, coupled with lower- than-average Summerfest parade entries, the Dallas Area Visitor’s Center’s new events manager Ashley Kahl is giving Summerfest a makeover. She’s announced the three-day festival will be shortened to two days — not counting Rotary’s activities in the park on Sunday. Part of what made the eclipse so successful was be- cause groups and business- es talked to each other and made it happen. With the creation of a Summer Events Task Force, we hope to see more collab- oration between entities such as the DAVC and the downtown association, and more volunteers step up to help make a difference. We also are eager to see how an August music festi- val shapes up. — High school sports Dallas’ softball team reached the state champi- onship game last season. With most of its roster re- turning, the Dragons will look to make another deep run and contend for a state championship. Central welcomes three new coaches for spring sports: Joel Everett (golf), Patty Nevue (girls tennis) and Tom Roberts (baseball). — Monmouth developments Many storefronts in Mon- mouth’s downtown are oc- cupied, but a few remain empty. We are particularly interested in the corner of Highway 99W and Main Street, where last we heard a Carl’s Jr. is moving in. Dallas Downtown Association murder mystery The DDA’s murder mys- tery afternoon in October left us all on a cliffhanger. Who killed Drew Golden? We all want to know, and looks like we’ll have to wait until October to find out. — Development in Dallas The Jiffy Lube location going up on East Ellendale Avenue is set to open this year, but a few more busi- ness project may be kicking off soon. Grocery Outlet is expect- ed to open a location in Dal- las and work on that should begin in early 2018. Also, an industrial project in the works for some time now, “Indigo,” could bring new life to a vacant industri- al parcel in town. City offi- cials call it “transformative,” if it happens. More details to come on that in early 2018 Of course, we are eagerly watching for more progress on the Blue Garden in 2018, too. — Falls City closing Wagner Barring a dramatic last- minute rescue, Wagner Community Library will close after the summer read- ing program this year. City and community lead- ers have vowed to find ways to replace services lost once the door close on the library. We’ll be watching to see what innovative solutions they find. — Development in Independence Businesses have been fill- ing the once-empty store- fronts on Main Street in downtown Independence, and we expect to see more coming in. We have heard that leases are in the works for the Tay- lor’s building, as well as a new establishment in the former YMCA slot. A new restaurant should be moving in next to the Three Legged Dog, and talks are ongoing to fill the corner slot at the Cooper Block. — New home for Power and Light Monmouth officials have been working on plans for a new home for Monmouth Power and Light, currently located next to Minet on Hogan Road. The new building will fea- ture state-of-the-art solar energy uses, as well as pro- vide adequate storage. The city closed on the land for the new building in 2015. Last year, details of the floor plan were being ironed out. We hope to see some dirt moved in 2018. Itemizer-Observer staff report SALEM — The Oregon Department of Revenue is reminding Oregon businesses and employers, out-of-state businesses with employees or customers in Oregon, and vehicle and bicy- cle buyers to make sure they’re ready for four new taxes start- ing in 2018. The 2017 Legislature created four tax programs to help fund a statewide transportation package: the bicycle excise tax, the vehicle privilege tax, the vehicle use tax, and the statewide transit tax. Bicycle excise tax Oregon’s bicycle excise tax is a flat tax of $15 paid by the consumer at the point of sale. To be taxed, a bike must meet all of the following criteria: • Be a new bicycle. • Have two or more wheels that are 26 inches or larger. • Be exclusively human powered and designed for use on the ground. • Have a retail purchase price of $200 or more. Vehicle privilege tax Oregon’s vehicle privilege tax applies to dealers selling new vehicles in Oregon. The tax is on the privilege of selling and equals one-half of 1 percent (.005) of the retail sales price of the new vehicle. Sales of new vehicles, which must not have been previously registered in Oregon, include: • Vehicles with 7,500 miles or fewer and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. • Recreational vehicles and motorcycles. • Lease sales of new vehicles. Vehicle use tax Oregon’s vehicle use tax applies to vehicles purchased out- side of Oregon by Oregon residents or for use in Oregon. It ap- plies to any vehicle which, if purchased in Oregon, would qual- ify for the vehicle privilege tax. The tax may be paid by the out- of-state dealer or the consumer, and it equals one-half of 1 percent (.005) of the retail sales price of the taxable vehicle. Only some out-of-state dealers will be required to collect and remit the use tax. Others will choose to do so. If a dealer doesn’t collect the tax from the consumer at the point of sale, the consumer must report and pay it directly to the Depart- ment of Revenue. Upon payment, the consumer will receive a certificate showing they paid the tax, which the DMV will need to register or title the vehicle in Oregon. Statewide transit tax The statewide transit tax takes effect on July 1, 2018. It will be one-10th of 1 percent (.001) of the wages of Oregon resi- dents — regardless of where they’re working — and non-resi- dents who work in Oregon. Payers of annuities and other periodic payments under ORS 316.189 also must withhold one-10th of 1 percent (.001) of these payments. Employers who fail to deduct, withhold, and remit the tax to the department will be subject to standard penalties. In addition, employers who knowingly fail to deduct and withhold the tax are subject to an additional penalty of $250 per employee, up to $25,000. Oregon residents working for certain out-of-state employ- ers must self-report and pay the tax when they file their per- sonal income tax return, if their employer chooses not to with- hold it. All new taxes More information about the transportation-related taxes can be found at www.oregon.gov/dor. Affected sellers and employers can register, report taxes, and make payments through the department's new web appli- cation, Revenue Online. They can visit www.oregon.gov/dor for more information and to sign up for a Revenue Online account. Here are some 2018 resolutions from our readers! Happy New Year! My new year resolution is to not nit pick and/or nag as much. Last year's was to be more thoughtful. — Robin R. I am going to focus in being the best me possible and not on past failures! — Brooke S. To live in the NOW instead of looking backwards or worrying about the future...... — Shelly B. I'm going to take better care of my mental/ emotional Health. I have been a little hard on myself over the years. I should be treating myself more like I would treat my little sister ! — Kelly S. Read for fun more. — Emily M. To put my best self forward and chase that dream! — Kathy M.W. To take better care of myself and get out more. — Diane G. To be brave, hold my head high, and to restart my career with people that care. — Sheri B. I want to think about and do more for others. There are few things more fun and emotionally rewarding as secretly meeting the needs and wants of others, or just reminding them they're thought of and prayed for. — Alicia K. S. Make more art, sell more art, teach more art. Art heals! — Joanne D. More Bourbon; More cigars; Let friends visit more. — Paul G. Drink an adequate amount of water daily. — Jolene G. My resolutions this coming year are to get more sleep and visit friends more often. My goal is to pay off all non-mortgage debt in 2018. — Bryce M. In 2018 I will complete my first novel and finish a 100 mile ultramarathon! Plus a bunch of other stuff. Always dream big! — Patricia H. I want to find a way to watch tv shows that I like without using satellite — Isabel B. Allow myself to make mistakes and not criticize myself. Allow others to do the same without criticism or judgement. — Dori S. To practice kindness and remind people to do the same.. Whether by example or prodding! — Terry C. Eat healthier and exercise. Play in the fourth of July tennis tournament. — Lukas E. Concentrating on the good in life, not the bad and spreading love not hate. Trying to see the good in every situation when I'm struggling. — Patricia C. If these resolutions are kept, we will have a wonderful group of people out there making a big difference! Planning on becoming a home owner in 2018? I understand the importance of home and family and I look forward to making your home ownership dreams a reality. When you are ready for your next move, let me help you with the professionalism and care you deserve. Call me today. Jana Fogg Principal Broker Licensed in Oregon 503-930-1047 Wnidermere/Western View Properties "Personal Attention, Professional Results!"