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2nd try set for sales-tax hearing
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Among those paying last respects to Edna Pincham berfore Wednesday funeral services at Thrird Baptist Church in Youngstown were Mahoning County Commissioners David Ludt, Anthony Traficanti and John McNally IV.
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John McNally IV
YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County commissioners conducted a public hearing on renewal of the half-percent sales tax that expires at the end of 2010, but only they and their administrator were heard.
That’s because the only other people at Monday’s hearing were the commissioners’ clerk, media representatives and Jerome McNally, a former city councilman and a cousin to Commissioner John A. McNally IV.
Another hearing will be at 10 a.m. next Monday in the county courthouse basement concerning proposals to renew the tax for five years, 10 years or on a continuous basis.
“I’m just so happy that the citizens of Mahoning County are happy with what’s going on with their government. You guys are doing a great job,” Jerome McNally said after the hearing as reporters were asking the commissioners why the turnout was so low. Jerome McNally did not address the commissioners during the hearing.
Commissioner David N. Ludt said he believes the low turnout reflects public confidence in the commissioners and their decisions.
“It’s the beginning of a work- week, and it’s tough for some folks to make it down here,” Commissioner McNally speculated concerning the 10 a.m. hearing in the county courthouse basement.
“There doesn’t seem to be much opinion one way or another on what we should do,” Commissioner McNally observed, adding that he hopes other county elected officials and the public will show up for next Monday’s hearing.
Anthony T. Traficanti, chairman of the commissioners, was at a loss to explain the low turnout. “It was advertised. I thought everybody would be here today — at least the officeholders that rely on the general fund, as do the commissioners,” he said.
During the hearing, County Administrator George J. Tablack urged the commissioners to place the tax on the ballot as a continuous measure to ensure long-term stability of county revenues.
“This is not a new tax. This is not an increase,” said Traficanti, who is on record as favoring placement of the tax on the Nov. 3 ballot for renewal as a continuous measure.
To put the measure before the voters Nov. 3, the commissioners would have to pass a resolution to do so by Aug. 20. The renewal must pass Nov. 3 or next May to ensure uninterrupted collection of the tax.
This tax is one of two half-percent county sales taxes. The voters renewed the other one on a continuous basis in May 2007.
Each sales tax raises about $14 million annually for the county’s general fund, which is its main operating fund.
Dependent on the general fund are the sheriff’s department, prosecutor, courts, 911 center, elections board and many more county departments.
Total general fund revenues from all sources were $67 million last year, but the county auditor predicts the current economic recession will reduce that to $59 million this year.