Kellers IGA to meet with Kasich's office

CINCINNATI - Kellers IGA will take its petition with more than 1,000 signatures and its resolution from the Cincinnati City Council to Governor John Kasich's office on Thursday.

The long-time Clifton grocery store's co-owner John Vierling will present an official plea as to why the store should be re-opened.

"We are just hoping that he allows us to get into a plan where we can pay our taxes. It seems to be much easier to do that if we're open."

Vierling currently owes about $180,000 in taxes and additional $90,000 in penalty fees.  He's asking Governor Kasich to waive the penalties and setup a 24-month payment plan.

What seems to be the deciding question is what is being done to make sure the store doesn't fall behind on its taxes again.

"We wont fall into this again because we will escrow the money collected for sales tax going forward into a separate account," Vierling said.  "Since we file online that money will just come out of that account, so it will not happen again."

In addition to the payment plan proposal, Vierling will be submitting a petition with more than 1,000 signatures to show the store's community support.

The Cincinnati City Council's Livable Communities Committee unanimously approved a supporting resolution Tuesday.  The full council will vote on the resolution Wednesday.  If approved, the resolution will then be submitted to the governor's office.

Thursday's meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Columbus.