Commissioners’ letters seek support for 1 percent sales tax

By D.A. WILKINSON

wilkinson@vindy.com

LISBON

Columbiana County commissioners have mailed about 240 letters to various people and groups soliciting their support for the county’s 1 percent sales tax.

Voters overwhelmingly defeated the sales tax in November after ballot language said it was an additional tax instead of a renewal.

The issue has been placed on the May primary with language that states it is a continuation of the sales tax.

If approved by voters, the tax would run for five years, as it has in the past.

The tax brings in about $8 million a year, or about 44 percent of the annual general fund.

Penny Traina, the president of the commissioners, said Monday, “We want the groups to write us as the [board of] commissioners” rather than individually.

The request was made March 12, and the ending date for letters of support is April 15.

The commissioners said any letters would be read during the commissioners’ meeting each Wednesday leading up to the vote.

The letters state, “Your support will encourage taxpayers to examine the need and vote for passage.”

The letters will go to mayors, chambers of commerce and those in the general public.

Commissioner Jim Hoppel came up with the original proposal not to collect 2 mills of property tax if residents voted for the sales tax.

The commissioners say they back a sales tax because people who can afford to spend can afford the tax.