Council Members Discourage Sales Tax Hike

Thursday, July 12, 2007
Topics: Politics, Economy
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A group of Cleveland City Council members are hoping to discourage county officials from raising the county sales tax without the consent of residents. ideastream's Bill Rice reports.

Cuyahoga County’s commissioners want to increase the sales tax by a quarter percent to help pay the cost of a new convention center and medical mart in downtown Cleveland. Under state law they’re allowed to raise the tax in one quarter percent intervals without a popular vote. But five city council members want them to put it to a vote anyway, and have introduced a resolution in council that would demand it. Zachary Reed represents Cleveland’s Ward 3.

Zachary Reed: Where we can make a compelling case, the people get it. But if we do it this way, the chances of us ever being able to pass another tax in this city are going to be slim and none.

If the resolution passes, its impact would be only symbolic. The only procedural recourse opponents have is to launch a drive to put a referendum on the ballot that would allow residents to vote down the tax.

Bill Rice, 90.3.