Mahoning commissioners put continuous sales tax renewal on fall ballot

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County commissioners voted unanimously today to place the half-percent sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot for renewal as a continuous measure.

“A continuous tax was chosen today to stabilize the county revenues so the county can continue to do future budgeting,” said Anthony T. Traficanti, chairman of the county commissioners. “The continuous tax will be just what we've had. It is not an increase.”

The commissioners had considered five- and 10-year renewals, but opted for a continuous renewal measure.

The commissioners decided to place the tax on the Nov. 3 ballot because, if it fails, it can return to the ballot in May, Traficanti said.

The renewal must pass this November or next May to ensure uninterrupted collection of the tax, which expires at the end of 2010.

The voters renewed the county’s other half-percent sales tax on a continuous basis in May 2007. Each sales tax raises about $14 million annually for the county’s general fund.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com