GOP, Dem leaders back Columbiana Co. sales tax

By D.a. Wilkinson

LISBON — The leaders of two political parties have said they endorse renewing the 1 percent Columbiana County sales tax that will be on the May ballot.

David Johnson, chairman of the county’s Republican party, and Dennis Johnson, chairman of the county’s Democrat party, told the county commissioners Wednesday that they were in favor of the tax.

The tax derailed last year when ballot language from the Ohio secretary of state’s office said at the polls that it was an additional tax. Some 62 percent of county voters in November defeated the issue.

The 1 percent sales tax brings in abut $8 million a year, or about 44 percent of the county’s general fund. The county also collects a 0.5 percent sales tax that brings in about $4 million a year that also goes to the general fund.

David Johnson told the commissioners, “I’m very pleased to announce that the Democrat chairman will work closely with me for the good of the county.”

The Republican chairman said, “Renewing the county sales tax is valuable and needed for the citizens of the county. We don’t want to go backward. It’s not an additional tax. It’s crucial that we all work together.”

Voters twice have approved collecting the 1 percent sales tax.

The endorsement from the two party leaders does not mean automatic success at the polls for the sales tax.

There are 20,892 registered Democrats and 9,559 registered Republicans in the county.

There also are 39,377 voters with no party affiliation and an additional 316 voters who vote only on issues, according to Adam Booth, deputy director of the county’s election board.

Booth estimated that about 30 percent of the eligible voters will turn out for the primary.

wilkinson@vindy.com