Insights

Curfew Laws in Ohio

September 25, 2015

On July 1, 2015, stricter teen driving laws went into effect in the State of Ohio.[1] The new law impacts all drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 years of age who hold a probationary license. While the restrictions may provide for some public peace, health and safety, they do not keep minors entirely off the streets or out of trouble. In some instances, more restrictive action may be necessary....

Michigan's New Offer in Compromise Program

September 25, 2015

Michigan's new Offer in Compromise (OIC) Program provides taxpayers a solution to their outstanding state tax liability. It also provides the Michigan Department of Treasury with time saving mechanisms to help collect on an otherwise uncollectable tax liability. Michigan opted to implement the OIC Program with the passage of Public Act (PA) 240 of 2014[1] and now offers such a program for those who qualify....

License Suspension for Uninsured Motorists as a Result of Property Damage to Your Utility

August 28, 2015

When your utility suffers property damage as a result of the negligence of a driver who is uninsured, recovery of your damages may seem unlikely. A high number of uninsured drivers claim they cannot afford the premiums for motor vehicle insurance, and opt instead to risk it. These drivers may be out of work, without assets and generally otherwise uncollectable. However, a valid driver's license should be viewed as an asset in a collection context. In certain circumstances, a third party who has been harmed by a driver without insurance can effectuate a driver's license suspension through the applicable state's statutes....

Covering the Expense of City Services

June 29, 2015

Summer has arrived and it's time to think about what residents will do to stay busy. Many municipalities expand their services by offering fun-filled day camp programs throughout the summer as well as various sports and arts camps, while others offer a schedule of the public pools. Even more, some municipalities publish a magazine or catalog of programs, events and facilities available throughout the summer months....

HB 5 Deadlines Impacting Ohio Municipalities

June 26, 2015

On December 19, 2014, House Bill 5 (HB 5) was signed by Governor Kasich thereby imposing new limits and procedures on the municipal income tax laws. Although HB 5 became effective on March 23, 2015, its application to municipalities will not begin until January 1, 2016. If a municipal corporation already levies income tax as of January 1, 2015, HB 5 requires the municipal corporation to amend its existing tax ordinances to comply with the new regulations imposed by January 1, 2016. If an ordinance is not amended or re-enacted by that date, it will be repealed as of January 1, 2016....

Youth Accounts: Creating a Member for Life

May 14, 2015

Recently I had an opportunity to volunteer at a Financial Reality fair that was hosted by a local credit union chapter group. The purpose of the event was to provide local high school students the opportunity to visit numerous booths at which time they had to choose, among other things, what type of car they wanted to purchase and what type of home or apartment they would live in. These determinations were made within the confines of a pre-established occupation and salary, and presumed that the students were just beginning their first job after high school or college. I have volunteered at several of these events in the past and after each instance, including this one, I came away somewhat alarmed at how little many of the students understood about how much everyday items cost, let alone basic financial principles....

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