MAHONING COUNTY Public provides input on renewal of sales tax

By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County commissioners finally got the public input they've sought about a proposed county sales tax renewal.
During a spirited, one-hour public hearing Thursday, commissioners heard from people who both support and oppose the sales tax. Commissioner Ed Reese called it one of the most productive hearings during his nearly 10 years in office.
Commissioners had complained in the past about poor turnout at public hearings on the sales tax. About 25 people attended Thursday's hearing, about half of them representing the public and half being county employees and officials.
Nearly a dozen people addressed commissioners about the tax, which will be on the ballot for renewal in November. Fewer than half the speakers said they are against the tax. A handful openly supported it, and others said their decision rests on whether they believe commissioners are doing their best to cut operating costs.
Options
A 0.5 percent county sales tax will expire Dec. 31. Commissioners are mulling whether to seek renewal of the same amount for five years, 10 years or for a continuing period. They are also considering a 1 percent tax for the same time periods.
If a 1 percent tax is presented and passed, commissioners would repeal another 0.5 percent county tax that is on the books until December 2007, keeping the local tax rate at 1 percent.
Andrew Hamady of Poland, who has actively campaigned against sales taxes in the past, spoke in favor of the tax. He said commissioners should consider a 0.5 percent option instead of a full 1 percent. He also said they should put it on for a continuing period.
Hamady said that with two new commissioners taking office next year -- Reese and Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock are not seeking re-election -- voters should give the new officials the means to operate by maintaining the current sales tax rate.
Hamady said he supports Democratic candidates Anthony Traficanti and John McNally IV. That rankled Patrick Strange of Campbell, a Republican commissioner candidate.
"Do not cross my path because I think you are very disrespectful," Strange said. He accused Hamady of backing the tax only because its passage would benefit his preferred candidates if they win in November.
John Paulette of Austintown said commissioners should stick with a five-year renewal.
"At least that way it has a chance," Paulette said. "But a 1 percent will go down like the Titanic."
Reese asked those who spoke against the tax whether they had suggestions how to operate government without sales tax revenue. Some, like David Piper of Boardman, said downsizing and improved efficiency are the answers.
Piper said the county should follow the lead of General Motors, whose Lordstown workforce has been sharply cut back but still must keep up with work demands.
"But GM can raise the price of its cars," Reese said after the hearing. "We can't raise our prices to make up revenue."
bjackson@vindy.com