Is a sales-tax increase in the offing in Trumbull?

Eight months after Trumbull County commissioners received high praise from residents and this space for deciding not to impose an increase in the county sales tax, the following headline appeared on the front page of Friday’s Vindicator: “Trumbull County commissioner won’t rule out sales-tax increase.”

Talk about a “Say, what?” moment.

Our immediate reaction to the headline was that we had been premature in tipping our hats to commissioners Dan Polivka, Frank Fuda and Mauro Cantalamessa in a May 3 editorial for listening to the taxpayers who had made it clear in two public hearings that they were opposed to the three officeholders unilaterally boosting the sales tax by 0.25 percent. State law permits such an action, but the will of the people cannot be ignored.

Here’s what we said in May: “It’s always risky to compliment elected officials in the Mahoning Valley because history has shown that today’s political hero can easily become tomorrow’s villain. However, when officeholders do something so unusual – such as listening to the people – fairness dictates that we acknowledge their good deed.”

So, what has changed since then to prompt Commissioner Frank Fuda to say of the proposed tax increase, “At some point, it has to be done”?

It should be pointed out clearly that neither of Fuda’s colleagues, Polivka nor Cantalamessa, favors imposing a tax increase in 2016.

Polivka was unequivocal in his opposition, while Cantalamessa used the words “probably not” when asked if he would go along with his colleague on the board of commissioners.

It is noteworthy that Polivka, a former Warren City Council member, is seeking a third, four-year term in 2016, while Cantalamessa is seeking a full term next year. He is serving out the unexpired term of the late Commissioner Paul Heltzel, who died in 2014.

Thus, it is not surprising that the two commissioners who have the most to lose politically would be unwilling to join their colleague Fuda, whose term won’t expire for another two years.

IMPORTANT QUESTION

But there is an important question that needs to be posed: Are Trumbull County government’s finances in such dire straits that simply cutting expenses or moving money around won’t erase the expected ink?

Fuda thinks so – as does county Auditor Adrian Biviano.

Biviano, a veteran of county government, doesn’t mince words when he says that additional revenue is needed.

Likewise, Commissioner Fuda is adamant that he and his colleagues “have to make the tough decisions to keep the county operating.”

Here’s what he said last week: “We’re not healthy financially. I hate to wait until the last minute to decide [on a sales-tax increase] and be in the same position as Niles is in.”

Despite the fact that the city of Niles is in state-declared fiscal emergency, voters rejected an income-tax increase in last month’s general election. The tax increase was an integral part of the five-year recovery plan developed by Niles officials and approved by the state fiscal oversight commission.

Therefore, it’s back to Square One for the embattled city government.

Fuda, who lives in Niles, said that county government could well find itself in similar financial hard times if commissioners do not confront the budget crisis.

Commissioners Polivka and Cantalamessa believe there will be enough money to operate county government in 2016.

However, that does not address the long-term fiscal challenges, which obviously concern Fuda.

But given that residents just eight months ago were adamantly opposed to the commissioners imposing a sales-tax increase, how would the commissioner go about changing their minds?

For one thing, a top-to-bottom review of spending undertaken by experienced, independent examiners would go a long way toward building trust.

Then there is always the option of a performance audit conducted by the Ohio Auditor’s Office. Unfortunately, the county would have to pay for the audit.

If there’s a case to be made for the imposition of a tax increase, the commissioners must do it – speaking with one voice. But with the 2016 election looming, that voice will be muted. If Fuda’s assessment is correct, Trumbull County government is in for some rough sailing.