Lorain County Deputies Association: Vote 'yes' on Issue 1 sales tax increase

The Lorain County Deputies Association has endorsed Issue 1, the 0.25 percent sales tax increase for on the Nov. 4 ballot. The association, a union representing road deputies and some other employees of the Lorain County Sheriff's Office, said in a news release that it understands the anger over recent large property tax increases. With a yes vote, the countywide sales tax would increase by 0.25 percent to 6.75 percent on eligible purchases. The additional $13.7 million raised by the sales tax increase would go to the county Sheriff's Office budget. Lorain County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state with one of the lowest sales tax rates, 6.5 percent. Calls for service are increasing, the deputies association wrote, and also increasing in seriousness. Only those buying goods or services subject to sales tax in Ohio will pay the increased tax rate. Eighty-four Ohio counties have a higher sales tax rate than Lorain County. "This burden is not being placed on the backs of property owners who are already strapped and we can without a doubt say, if this had anything to do with property taxes, this letter would not be in support of it," the association wrote. "As much as we do not want to pay another tax, it is a necessary evil to continue to provide the service we strive to as we endure the growth of the county."