UPDATE: Canfield tax defeated 2-1

CANFIELD

As the unofficial election results began to be posted at Canfield’s two polling locations, the result became clear. City residents voted 2-1 against the half-percent income tax increase.

“Really wasn’t even close,” said Don Dragish Jr., Canfield City Council president, as results began to be posted shortly after polls closed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Two of the city’s eight precincts were at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm; the other six were at St. Michael’s Family Center, off state Route 46. “This is looking decisive,” said Mayor Bernie Kosar Sr., as results came in.

The final unofficial results from Tuesday’s special election were 1,350 (73 percent) against; 489 (27 percent) for.

The city had pursued a tax increase to address funding cuts from the state. It would have generated an additional $1.5 million for the city annually. The city enacted its 1 percent income tax in 1972.

“We’re going to have to figure out a plan for the city long-term,” Dragish said.