TRUMBULL COUNTY Commissioners: Tax issue on Nov. ballot is unlikely

One commissioner says he is waiting to see what happens with a county probe.
By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Trumbull County commissioners are unlikely to ask voters to approve a sales tax increase in November despite agreement by the majority of the board that a tax increase is needed.
The County Commissioners Association of Ohio said it would have been necessary for commissioners to place a legal advertisement in local newspapers by July 7 to get a tax issue on the November ballot.
"I recognize the need for it," said Commissioner Joseph J. Angelo Jr., who had advocated putting the tax on the November ballot. "The way it sits now, I don't think we can get it passed in Trumbull County."
In 2003, an attempt by commissioners to increase the county sales tax from 0.5 percent to 1 percent was defeated by voters in every county precinct. Without some type of tax increase, officials project a $6 million budget shortfall next year.
"I guarantee you services will have to be cut," Angelo said. "We need more revenue, and we have the lowest taxes in the state."
Criminal probe
Commissioner James G. Tsagaris also advocated asking voters for a sales tax increase in November, providing that no elected officials were caught up in the ongoing criminal probe of county purchasing practices.
If any elected officials were indicted, it would sink the tax, he added. "We are still waiting to see what happens [with the probe]," he said.
Tsagaris said commissioners have not taken any steps toward putting a tax on the ballot.
In preparation for a sales tax campaign, Tsagaris said he asked Trumbull County Children Services, Fairhaven School for the Retarded and District XI Area on Aging in May to postpone levy requests so as not to overwhelm voters with tax issues.
siff@vindy.com