Columbiana Co. sales tax should be renewed May 4

Jim Hoppel, Penny Traina and Daniel Bing, commissioners in Columbiana County, have made it clear through a resolution and their many public statements that voters are only being asked to continue a 1 percent sales tax that has been on the books for several years.

The chairmen of the Democratic and Republican parties have each shelled out $500 for “Renew the 1 percent sales tax” signs that will be found throughout the county. In today’s highly charged partisan political climate, Democrat Dennis Johnson and Republican David Johnson have joined forces to ensure a favorable outcome.

Business and community leaders and officeholders have lent their voices to the campaign for the continuation of the tax.

And yet, we again find ourselves urging a yes vote on the tax renewal issue on May 4. Why? Because last November’s defeat of the tax is cause for concern.

While we agree with commissioners Hoppel, Traina and Bing that the rejection five months ago was the result of the word “additional” being included in the ballot language, the 62 percent no vote could have reflected more than just a misunderstanding of what was being sought.

Indeed, the anti-government sentiment gaining traction in rural counties like Columbiana could have an impact in next month’s primary election.

As we noted in an editorial a month ago, the commissioners have correctly concluded that support from a cross-section of the community is essential for passage of the sales tax issue. If approved, it would be in effect for five years.

In addition to the chairmen of the two political parties, endorsements have also come from officeholders at all levels, members of various boards, business leaders and professionals.

The commissioners have visited the county Board of Developmental Disabilities, the county mental-health board, and the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County.

They also planned to talk to the board of directors of the Buckeye Water District, the Salem Area Industrial Development Corp., and the Catholic Daughters of America.

“It’s a grass-roots attempt for the betterment of Columbiana County,” Traina said.

It is no exaggeration that without the 1 percent sales tax, the county will be in dire economic straits. The tax generates about $8 million a year — not too long ago it generated $12 million — or about 44 percent of the general fund. The county has a half-percent sales tax that is not on the ballot this year.

Designed to help

While we are acutely aware of the economic hardships being faced by Mahoning Valley residents, we also recognize that many government programs are designed to help those in need weather the storm.

Taxes are the main source of revenue for government.

No one is suggesting that some of the criticism directed at government is without merit. The public sector often appears to be blind to the realities confronting the private sector.

But, refusing to renew the 1 percent sales tax is not in the best interest of the residents of Columbiana County.

As an added benefit, the campaign for the renewal has opened lines of communications between county officials, which is a good thing.

The Vindicator urges a yes vote because renewing the sales tax will not cost residents any more than they’re paying now.