COLUMBIANA COUNTY Third meeting slated to discuss tax increase

A third meeting on a tax issue will offer an opportunity for people who might not be able to make the other sessions.
LISBON -- Although two formal public hearings already are set to discuss a proposed Columbiana County sales tax increase, commissioners are scheduling a third session.
The third meeting is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday in the commissioners' meeting room at the courthouse, commissioners said Friday.
Unlike the two public hearings planned for later this month, Wednesday's session will be an informal public forum, commissioners explained.
The public will be invited to discuss a proposed 0.5 percent increase in the county's 1 percent sales tax, or to discuss county finances in general, Commissioner President Dave Cranmer said.
Reason for meeting: Wednesday's meeting is being arranged because the two public hearings required by law regarding the proposed sales tax increase are scheduled for Dec. 24 and Dec. 27, Commissioner Sean Logan explained.
Next week's session will provide a third opportunity to discuss the proposal for those who might be unable to make the two public hearings because they fall so close to Christmas, Logan said.
Commissioners say they are proposing a 0.5 percent increase in the sales tax because county revenues are being outpaced by expenditures.
More revenue is needed to run county government, commissioners say.
A 0.5 percent increase in the sales tax would produce about $3 million annually.