To the editor:

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is urging voters across Columbiana County to read the public safety tax information in order to correct confusion about it being a renewal tax not a new or additional tax.

The sales tax renewal will appear on the May primary ballot. Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio President Jay McDonald said in a letter to County Commissioners that he appreciated their effort to correct confusion, but that more outreach is necessary. “This is not a new or additional tax, McDonald said. “It simply extends the current tax and provides vital funding for public safety.”

There appears to be some confusion because of the way the tax renewal was worded on the ballot the last time it appeared. This is important because of the impact of the tax renewal, which provides a significant piece of the county’s operating budget. A second tax vote failure would result in devastating consequences–not only for the Sheriff’s Department, but for public safety throughout the county.

“Make no mistake, passage of the sales tax renewal is the difference between quality law enforcement and dangerous streets.” McDonald said.

He noted how supportive Columbiana County voters are of local law enforcement, but we need everyone from the County Commissioners to residents reiterating the important fact that this renewal tax is not a new or additional tax.

The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio is Ohio’s largest law enforcement union. They represent over 23,000 sworn officers and advocate for law enforcement on a variety of issues.

Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio