Election 2011: North Canton to Vote on County-Wide Sales Tax Increase

What: Issue 29 — a county-wide sales tax increase of 0.5 percent

The sales tax rate in Stark County is 5.75 percent, while 5.5 percent goes to the state and .25 percent goes to Stark Area Regional Transit Authority. No money goes toward Stark County government.

Election Day: Nov. 8

Proposed Ballot Language: "County sales and use tax, one-half of a percent (1/2%), for the purpose of supporting criminal and administrative justice services for the County and to pay the expenses of administering such a levy, 8 years."

Argument For: Supporters argue the tax is necessary to maintain public safety in Stark County. If the sales tax increase doesn't pass, the Stark County Jail would decrease from 501 to 122 beds. The 22 police departments within the county may arrest individuals, but they may not have anywhere to detain them. The jail will only be used to house those with the most serious offenses.

Argument Against: In general, some taxpayers feel over-taxed and some would rather see government employees tax a paycut than increase the sales tax.

Related Stories:

Editor's Note: Make sure to follow election news on our North Canton Elections Facebook page and keep checking back to our  which we'll be adding to as we continue reporting on this year's election.

If you're interested in about this topic or any other issue facing North Canton residents, send an email to Morgan.Day@patch.com with the letter, your full name and a phone number.