Saturday, April 28, 2007
YOUNGSTOWN — Ten years of on again, off again sales taxes in Mahoning County has added up to a lot of money that never made it into the hands of government officials.
It stayed in taxpayers’ hands instead. How much? Try $41 million.
On May 8, residents will again be asked to consider a half-cent sales tax renewal. Only this time, we’ll be asked to make it a continuous tax. Officials say it’s so criminals can stay locked up and the rest of county government can continue functioning.
The county is struggling to meet a growing demand for jail beds fueled by a rising crime rate and a dreadfully backlogged criminal docket in common pleas court.
For the complete story, see Sunday's Vindicator.