MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - Mahoning Commissioners are asking the public to weigh in on whether there should be a 1/4 percent sales tax increase on the ballot this November.

The next public hearing will be held in the Mahoning Commissioners Meeting Room at 11:00 am Thursday July 22, 2021.

Commissioners say the top complaint they hear is about pot holes, with people asking when is the county going to pave roads.

"It's up to the people to vote on what they feel is necessary. There's not enough money to go around and fix roads," said Commissioner Carol Remedio-Righetti.

"The funding can only be use for paving and resurfacing. It can not be used for any pay increases, it can not be used for nothing else in county services," added the Mahoning Commission Chairman Anthony Traficanti.
 
Commissioners emphasize American Rescue Plan dollars can not be spent on paving or road repairs due to restrictions imposed by the government.

We asked why commissioners are not waiting for the Biden Administration Infrastructure bill to pass before they ask voters if they want a sales tax increase.

Commissioners say it's not responsible to wait adding paved roads make safer roads in Mahoning County, cities, and townships. Better roads and fewer pot holes also help reduce wear and tear on vehicles and maintenance costs.

"Nothing is going to trickle down to make an impact in our own local community like a quarter of one penny sales tax that would bring in 7 to 9 million dollars a year. So we are putting that in the hands of the voters. Depending on what you spend, a quarter of a penny it's a minimal price to pay to redo all those roads. Paving bad roads helps increase safety for people in the townships, cities, and county," emphasized Commissioner David Ditzler.

Mahoning County Engineer Patrick Ginnetti told WFMJ news 40 percent of the sales tax is generated from people who live out side the county but buy clothing cars, and luxury items such as boats and campers in Mahoning County.

He adds the money will help provide matching funds that may be required in the infrastructure bill.

"We're looking at anywhere between 80 and 100 miles a year, your looking at 500 miles in five years.

Jodi Kale from Berlin Township said, "No body wants new taxes, but this provides us with an opportunity we would not otherwise have. For 25 cents on 100 dollars of taxable items your looking at paving in the townships that would otherwise not get done."

Voters who showed up for the meeting listened to the presentation, but did not want to give their opinions on the possible sales tax increaseor road plan.