Mahoning Valley - Ohio is taking more steps to slowly reopen the economy, but the shutdown period will have economic consequences for local governments. One of which will be gas tax receipts.

County Engineers are funded solely by the gas tax and license fees so there is cause for uncertainty.

There were a lot fewer fill-ups when people were sheltering at home and thousands more were unemployed and not driving to and from work.

Gas tax distribution from the state generally lags two to three months behind. The county's most recent distribution was actually higher than a year ago, but that was for receipts in February. So the vacation season will be the important months.

"If this stays through the summer, it could be a significant impact on gas tax-wise. But I think it's a little early for me to predict that," Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginetti said.

He says the statewide impact on loans could end up delaying the county's summer road resurfacing program, but says that's better than not getting funded.

"You know a delay makes our job harder and makes it worse on the travelers, but if you know that it's coming there's at least a silver lining," said Ginetti.

Local township governments are holding their breath to learn what the overall tax impact may be.

"Unfortunately, we've got notices from some of the areas that tell us that we may be getting less by 10 percent to about 27 percent," Ken Carano, Austintown Township Trustee said.

Carano says if that happens, there's no doubt they'll have to lay people off.

There is pending legislation in the Senate that would provide some assistance to local governments, but it has conditions according to Carano.

"It says specifically it has to be for expenses dealing with the virus not by our regular budget," said Carano.

And Austintown is not alone; Carano says it's a challenge being faced by all local governments.