Mahoning County hearings provide insight into finances

If you're still not convinced that the loss of the 0.5 percent sales tax in Mahoning County is going to leave a gaping hole in the general fund budget, you should attend Friday's public hearing hosted by commissioners Edward Reese, Vicki Allen Sherlock and David Ludt. Why? Because Reese, Sherlock, Ludt and acting county Administrator Joseph Caruso have factual information that may help you change your mind.
On the other hand, if you are a member in good standing of the "Nothing they say will sway me" club of Mahoning County residents, you should still attend the public hearing, scheduled for 10 a.m. in the commissioners' meeting room in the basement of the Mahoning County Courthouse. Why? Because Reese, Sherlock and Ludt have a right to confront those who have accused them of gross mismanagement and wasteful spending.
Indeed, they would welcome any suggestions residents may have about how county government can operate with $14 million less a year in the general fund. That's the effect of voters rejecting -- albeit by less than 2,000 votes -- the renewal of the 0.5 percent sales tax that expires at the end of this month. The issue was on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. Approval would have meant the tax being in effect permanently.
Imposition
Friday's hearing is the second of two required by state law -- the first was held Monday with more than 70 people in attendance -- as part of the procedure commissioners must follow to impose the tax. Reese and Ludt have indicated that they're willing to consider imposing the 0.5 percent tax; Sherlock says she is adamantly opposed to the commissioners ignoring the will of the majority.
That is why participation by residents is important.
On Monday, a warning was issued by a member of a grassroots anti-tax organization that if the 0.5 percent is imposed, a petition drive will be launched to place the issue on the ballot for a referendum vote. It is not known whether that warning reflects the attitude of the majority, seeing as how the renewal lost on Nov. 2 by 1,700 votes.
What is known, however, is that Mahoning County is facing a financial crisis that could result in the state auditor declaring government to be in fiscal emergency. That would trigger the creation special commission to take control of the finances.
To further complicate matters, commissioners Reese and Sherlock will be leaving office at the end of the year. They chose not to see re-election this year. Their successors, Anthony Traficanti and John McNally 1V, both publicly endorsed the renewal of the 0.5 percent tax for a continuous period, and now brace for baptism by fire.
It has been said the democracy is not a spectator sport. The public hearings on Mahoning County's future demands participation by all residents who care about the way the people's business is conducted by those in government.
At the very least, the two new commissioners could use some guidance, seeing as how they, along with Ludt, will be developing the 2005 general fund budget.