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Trumbull County commissioners discuss tax proposal, budget concerns with State Representatives

Trumbull commissioners and state leaders took part in a roundtable discussion over several issues that could affect the county.

State Representatives Nick Santucci, (R-Niles) and David Thomas (R-Ashtabula) took part in the meeting to help find possible solutions for commissioners.

The conversation focused on budget concerns within the county, and a proposal that would decrease property taxes.

This meeting took place at a time where the budget is on the mind of the Trumbull County Commissioners.

“I think having that discussion, and just knowing what the priorities are for local leadership helps us to take that mission to Columbus and create a plan for what’s best for the county moving forward,” said Thomas.

The first concern brought up by the commissioners is House Bill 335, which would change how much homeowners would pay. 

“You'll see immediate property tax relief in January of this upcoming year, quite a big decrease in your taxes. You'll see the ability to actually vote on some of those increases moving forward, have more say on what type of revenues are used for those services,” said Thomas.

In addition to lowering property taxes, the bill would raise the threshold for passing local property tax levies from a simple majority to a 60% supermajority. 

Trumbull County Commissioner Tony Bernard said he spoke to multiple schools and police departments, who all were against the bill.

“They’re just going to lose millions of dollars,” said Bernard.

Bernard also said someone would have to pick up the shortfall of funds.

“I'm afraid they want to shift the burden from the state to the local government. They're going to reduce the taxes and make the county government increase the taxes and I don't want to do that,” said Bernard. 

The conversation shifted to local projects the commissioners have been trying to fund.

They asked Santucci and Thomas how they could get more money for projects like the dog pound, relocating the coroner’s office and the 911 dispatch center.

Santucci and Thomas said in order to make an argument for state funds, such as grants, they will need to take a different approach.

“A first step is having a plan, which they have. They have a plan of where they want to go. And the second step is actually formulating how this is going to work, who you are going to share services with,” said Thomas.

Bernard said the commissioners hired a consultant to help bring in state and federal dollars,  and is hoping to get access to ARP funds.

“We can’t do it on the backs of the taxpayers. So, we’re going to try to get the government to let us reallocate some of that money and use it," said Bernard.


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