Commissioners put 0.25 percent sales tax increase issue on November ballot

ELYRIA — Lorain County voters will get to decide at the polls on Nov. 4 whether to increase the countywide sales tax to help fund the county Sheriff's Office, the Lorain County commissioners decided Tuesday. In a unanimous vote, commissioners David Moore, Jeff Riddell and Marty Gallagher, all Republicans, voted to place a 0.25 percent sales tax increase on the Nov. 4 ballot "for the purpose of supporting criminal and administrative justice services in Lorain County for Lorain County Sheriff's Office," their resolution stated. If approved by voters, the tax would become effective April 1, 2026. It is currently the only countywide issue on the November general election ballot. "I think it's important to let the taxpayers make the decision," Gallagher said. "That's all we're doing today, is going to allow it to go on the ballot," Moore said, adding that the proposed sales tax will specifically benefit the Sheriff's Office and not go into the county's general fund. Riddell said the board "is supportive of providing a politically free and stable revenue stream for law enforcement." Lorain County's current 6.5 percent sales tax rate is one of the four lowest in the state. Eighty-four other Ohio counties have a higher sales tax rate. If approved, a 0.25-percent increase will raise the countywide sales tax to 6.75 percent, generating an estimated $13.7 million in additional funds toward the Sheriff's Office's estimated $34 million 2026 budget. The Sheriff's Office operates the Lorain County Jail, patrols county and township roads and provides security at county buildings. More than half of its budget comes from the county's general fund, and as it is currently funded it makes up approximately 30 percent of the county's annual budget, Moore said. About a half-dozen residents spoke up about the proposed tax at the four public hearings on June 17, June 20, July 22 and July 25. Support was split, with many praising the services the Sheriff's Office provides but also raising concerns about increased property taxes and a $5 license plate registration tax the commissioners approved in May to help fund road and bridge repairs. Supporters of the proposed sales tax say it is a "user tax." Only those paying sales tax on eligible purchases will pay it, and that includes non-Lorain County residents who buy goods and services in Lorain County. A separate 0.25-percent sales tax collected since 1994 provides $13-14 million annually to operate the county jail. The county is looking at a projected $5 million spending deficit in its 2026 general fund budget. Commissioners have promised budget cuts to make up for it. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com.