TRUMBULL COUNTY Committee recommends 0.5% sales tax increase

The committee says the work force should be reduced.
By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A committee appointed by Trumbull County commissioners to evaluate the county's need for a sales tax increase has concluded that a 0.5 percent increase is in order.
Commissioners unilaterally decided to raise the county sales tax by 0.5 percent for one year in April and already had decided to put a sales tax increase on the ballot in November.
They don't know yet how much of an increase they will ask voters to approve, said Commissioner Michael O'Brien.
The Citizens Advisory Committee discussed only a 0.5 percent sales tax increase, which would keep the county's total piggyback tax at 1 percent, said Ralph H. Smith, a committee member.
With that tax, the county would be bringing in enough revenue to spend at about the level it was at in 2002.
"It is enough to get the job done," Smith said today. "It is not going to lead to more expenditures, and probably it is going to mean that there are some things that are done more slowly."
About 90 county workers are still on furlough resulting from an $8 million budget shortfall this year.
Commissioners began discussions about raising the county sales tax, and imposed an increase for one year, before the state increased its sales tax. Trumbull County residents are now paying a total of 7 percent on local purchases.
Other recommendations
The committee made a number of other recommendations, including:
UHiring a full-time budget director to oversee the county's business affairs.
UDrawing up long-range plans and setting aside a fixed percentage of the general fund for equipment replacement.
USetting aside the money to reduce county debt or make capital improvements when assets are sold.
UMaking the 911 system self-supporting.
UPrioritizing the recall of laid-off employees, reduce the work force, outsource jobs, and use part-time workers.
UIntroducing a two-tier wage and benefit system for new employees and drive down health-care costs.
UReviewing long-term debt obligations and see if interest rates can be reduced.
"It is a very excellent report, very thorough, and I can't say enough about the diligence and effort put into it," O'Brien said.
siff@vindy.com