Newton and Newton Falls have the lowest property taxes in Trumbull County. That's a distinction to be proud of, and one to hold on to.
Last month Newton Falls asked voters for a 3-mill police levy. Part of the argument levy proponents made was that the village has the lowest property tax in the county.
Rather than Falls officials trying to tax their way out of that distinction, other communities should be trying to cut their way into it. That's what being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is all about.
Falls officials brag about their employees paying $780 per year for family health care and $520 for singles. Those might be good numbers for the public sector, but a recent survey completed by human resources consultant Aon Hewitt shows that northeast Ohio employees will contribute an average of $2,500 out of pocket next year for health insurance premiums.
We commend Newton, Newton Falls and the school districts that serve those communities for keeping the tax rate low, and we encourage them to stay the course.