Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
To the editor: On May 5, you will vote on a 9.4-mill renewal levy for current expenses. However, there are critical facts the village council isn't highlighting. On February 9, 2026, council voted 6-0 to implement a 1% income tax. This will more than double the revenue collected, yet there is no clear plan for how that money will be spent.
Our village is in a financial crisis fueled by years of poor bookkeeping and a lack of oversight by the mayor and council. According to the April 13, 2026 meeting minutes, Woodville faces approximately $388,000 in outstanding bills from 2023–2025. Furthermore, the IRS has scheduled a meeting because 941 forms were not filed for the past five years. Despite these glaring red flags, a state audit has not been conducted since 2021.
In 2024, council voted 5–1 to begin the process of implementing a 1% income tax. There were two public meetings, but at those meetings, all they gave the public was a rough sheet about it. It was stated, by an elected official, that we have to implement the tax then we’ll find out! But that implementation was never followed through on.
There is also the question of efficiency. While we were told the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) would handle collections, council is currently constructing an in-house income tax office. Is it truly more cost-effective to pay additional salaries and benefits than to use an established service?
The village currently has $7 million worth of loans outstanding through the state and the debt will be doubled due to the water and sewer projects this year.
For 189 years, Woodville functioned without an income tax. Now, we see crumbling sidewalks, abandoned buildings, and the loss of our grocery, pharmacy, and hardware stores. Before taxpayers are asked to bail out the local government, the village must demonstrate fiscal responsibility, make drastic cuts, and stop all unnecessary spending.
Please research the facts at VillageOfWoodville.com before you vote. Your decision will shape the future of our families and neighbors.
Angie Ewersen
Woodville
