Sales tax in Mahoning, Lucas counties increases to 7.25% Wednesday

Staff and wire report

The sales tax in Mahoning and Lucas counties will increase .25 percent on Wednesday to a total of 7.25 percent.

The increase in Mahoning County results from voter approval of a ballot initiative last November. The additional revenue is targeted toward funding criminal justice operations in the county.

Lucas County officials say the county expects to receive an additional $14 million a year from the increase and that the money will be used to strengthen the county budget and give it more options for financing projects such as a new jail.

Money spent on groceries, medicine and housing will continue to be exempt from the sales tax. The sales tax paid on a $32,000 car will increase $80 starting Wednesday.