MAHONING COUNTY Officials vote to put tax renewal on ballot

Officials chose the March primary, as waiting for November would lose revenue.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Even though they believe a longer-term tax would provide better financial stability, Mahoning County commissioners decided that now is not a good time for change.
Commissioners voted Thursday to place a 0.5-percent sales tax on the ballot for a five-year renewal. The tax, one of two 0.5-percent sales taxes on the books, brings in about $12.5 million a year for the county's general fund.
The tax was approved by voters in 1999 for a five-year period, which expires Dec. 31, 2004.
Commissioners had considered seeking a 10-year renewal, or even asking voters to make the tax permanent, but opted instead for the five-year term because they believe it will be more palatable for voters.
"We just want to keep what we have" as far as county services, said Commissioner David Ludt. "This is not an increase in anyone's taxes."
Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock said several residents urged commissioners during two public hearings to opt for either the 10-year or permanent tax so the county will have improved fiscal stability.
Avoiding confusion
But Sherlock and Commissioner Ed Reese said commissioners don't want to confuse voters who might think that extending the term would mean they were voting for a new tax.
"We're just trying to keep it simple," Reese added.
Commissioners opted for the March 2 primary election because, had they waited until November, the county would lose about $3 million in revenue. That's because of a change in Ohio law that would prevent the county from collecting tax proceeds during the first quarter of 2005, even though it's a current measure.
Austintown residents John Paulette and Mark Cleland urged commissioners to put the tax on the November ballot when more people are likely to vote, but Reese said the county can't afford to give up that revenue.
"The solvency of the county, I believe, comes first," he said.
Also on March ballot
Commissioners also voted to place a 1-mill, five-year levy on the March ballot for senior citizen services. Trumbull County commissioners also have approved the same tax measure.
Both counties are part of the District XI Area Agency On Aging, which proposed the levies. If it's approved, the measure is expected to generate about $3.8 million a year in Mahoning County, and $3 million a year in Trumbull County.
Donald Medd, District XI director, said levy revenue will provide services such as transportation, in-home services, socialization and recreation programs for people 60 and older.
He said Mahoning County has more than 57,000 people in that age bracket, making up 22 percent of the county's overall population.
Levy revenue generated in each county would be spent only in that county, he said.
bjackson@vindy.com