The county Board of Commissioners approved a 0.5% increase, making the county’s 7.75% sales tax rate the third-highest in the state. Mentor city leaders want the tax rescinded.
MENTOR, Ohio — A debate over a sales tax increase is brewing among leaders in Lake County. This month, the county Board of Commissioners approved a 0.5% increase, making the county’s 7.75% sales tax rate the third-highest in the state.
Mentor leaders believe the city will be more affected by the increase than other areas of the county because of its reliance on retail. Council President Matthew Donovan said Mentor is the sixth-largest retail center in Ohio. During a public meeting in late December, he expressed concerns the tax increase could encourage would-be consumers to spend their dollars elsewhere.
The City Council members hope the County Commission will walk back the increase. But Board of Commissioners president John Hamercheck told News 5 a repeal is unlikely to happen. “We’ve heard loud and clear from our public safety forces, including our sheriff, our prosecutor, our courts – of which we have seven – that there are demands and stresses they cannot sustain,” he said.
Critics of the increase question why the county doesn’t use some of the $38 million general fund surplus or $100 million in investments.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Salt Lake Bees to leave Salt Lake City for Daybreak in South JordanWatch live as Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall speaks after the Salt Lake City Bees announced they will be moving to South Jordan in 2025.
Read more »
Lake County Captains will begin 20th season with new ownership groupThe new owners say they plan to make significant investments in the Captains’ growth, and will look to foster an increased commitment to Lake County and its surrounding areas.
Read more »
Guardians High-A affiliate, Lake County Captains, under new ownershipThe Guardians High-A affiliate baseball team, the Lake County Captains, announced new ownership on Tuesday, with plans to invest in the team and community.
Read more »
Lake County nonprofit helping women throughout the state deal with pregnancy lossAfter pregnancy loss, a Lake County woman is letting others know they don't have to bear the loss on their own.
Read more »
Lake County police catch burglary suspect after he tries to run from officersDante Jordan, 23, is charged with burglary, carrying a concealed weapon, having weapons under disability, theft and obstructing official business.
Read more »
Lake Elsinore community gathers to hold vigil for slain Riverside County sheriff's deputyDeputy Darnell Calhoun was fatally shot on Jan. 13 while responding to a domestic violence call regarding child custody in Lake Elsinore.
Read more »