MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - The Mahoning County Commissioners and county engineer held another public hearing to discuss a sales tax renewal months before it would be on the ballot. The renewal increases the sales tax by a quarter of a percent for infrastructure like bridges and roadways.

In 2021, Mahoning County voters approved the sales tax for road and bridge improvements. Now, even though it's in place until 2027, the groundwork is being laid to renew it.

If county commissioners approve to place the renewal on the ballot, Pat Ginnetti, Mahoning County engineer, said he will do more public outreach and presentations for voters.

“We've been able to pave just under 150 miles. As a result of this, we've improved a number of bridges within the city limits and some in the townships as well,” said Ginnetti.

There was a positive reaction to the sales tax renewal at the hearing.

“I don’t think there is anything sweeter than having everybody that uses the roads pay to maintain,” said Alan Hemphill, Jackson Township Trustee.

“This year, with the allocation that came from the engineer's office, we were able to do seven miles,” said Darren Crivelli, Austintown Zoning Inspector.

So far, around 146 miles of roads have been paved. 

Ginnetti said the renewal could mean ALL county roads will be paved in order of need. 

If approved to be on the ballot, Ginnetti says he hopes to continue to make the case to voters from now until the election. This includes more presentations.

The hope is to have the renewal on the May ballot.

“There would be a gap in funding if it were to go on the 27 ballot, because the May primary would be after the expiration in 2027 so we want to try to get it in next year, to let the residents voice their opinion by voting,” said Ginnetti.

After Ginnetti's presentation at the public hearing, which broke down the sales tax, all three Mahoning County commissioners showed approval for the sales tax renewal.

“They come to Mahoning County to shop or do business. So it's a lot of outside people helping with this, because everybody drives on the roads,” said Carol Rimedio-Righetti, Mahoning County Commissioner.

“It’s the best insurance policy that we can have in this community to take care of our infrastructure,” said Anthony Trafficanti, Mahoning County Commissioner.

The renewal would generate around $10 million yearly for the next five years. 35% to 45% of that revenue is from people visiting the county.

That money is all  for infrastructure. It can not be used for salaries, equipment or buildings.

Townships are able to reach out if they have roads that need to be paved. Ginnetti said the county will also continue checking roads.