Mahoning commissioners begin sales tax renewal push

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County commissioners have taken the first step toward renewal of the county’s second half-percent sales tax by passing a resolution approving public hearings on the renewal.

In taking their action today, however, they did not announce any specific times, dates or places for such hearings.

The commissioners have until Aug. 20 to place the issue on the Nov. 3 ballot. 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 other half-percent sales tax for a continuous basis in May 2007.

Each of the two half-percent sales taxes raises about $14 million annually for the county’s general fund, which is the county’s main operating fund.

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