Hermitage budget keeps taxes at status quo

HERMITAGE — Hermitage commissioners approved a 2008 budget Wednesday that keeps taxes at the same rate they have been for 17 years.

The $10,526,791 general fund spending plan is up from $10,100,529 this year. It keeps the property tax levy at 5 mills, the earned income tax at 1.75 percent, and the emergency services tax at $5 for each person who works in the city. Sewer fees also will not change.

The budget is heavy in capital improvement projects to upgrade roads, alleviate storm water problems and build recreation opportunities.

No additional staff positions are planned.

A major new incentive is the Neighborhood Investment Program, which looks at ways to keep neighborhoods strong through road and storm water projects, code enforcement initiatives and other improvements. In the first year, officials will look at the area south of Highland Road, east of Boyd Drive, north of East State Street and west of North Buhl Farm Drive. A meeting with residents will be held in January.

Taco tantrum lands man in lockup for a night

HERMITAGE — You’ve heard of road rage, but have you heard of a taco tantrum?

Hermitage police allege Shiraz Sidi, 53, of 12 Golfwood Dr. Hermitage, had a Mexican food meltdown while waiting in line at the drive-through of Taco Bell, 1990 E. State St.

Sidi apparently had become upset at the waiting time when he rammed the car ahead of him twice, and yelled and flailed his arms at the driver of the other car at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, police said.

Asked by police why he rammed the car, Sidi said he “wanted his tacos,” police said.

Sidi was arrested on charges of drunken driving, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief. He spent the night in jail and was released on his own recognizance following his arraignment Wednesday morning before District Judge Ronald E. Antos, Farrell.

Sidi’s preliminary hearing is set 1 p.m. Wednesday.