LOWELLVILLE, Ohio - Officials in Lowellville are expressing disappointment and concern following the failure of a proposed tax increase on the May 6 Primary Election ballot.

Voters overwhelmingly opposed the increase with 70% of the village voting against it. As it stands, Lowellville has a 2% income tax rate. This levy would have increased that rate to 2.5% had it passed.

That money would have paid for operations like maintenance, new equipment, extension and enlargement of municipal services and facilities and capital improvements.

Council President Bob Coppola says he is disappointed with these results.

"Future projects will probably not happen since our village share for grants will not be available as in the past," Coppola said.

Coppola says all current projects should still be ok, but the village would need to discuss applying for future grants before doing so. 

Village administrator Joann Esenwein says village officials including the mayor and council members will need to discuss the course of action for the village following the failure of the tax increase.

21 News has reached out to Lowellville Mayor James Iudiciani for comment, but we have not heard back yet.