The Daily Standard
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WAPAKONETA - A 10-year renewal of Auglaize County's existing sales and use tax of 0.5% is on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
The 0.5% sales tax, in place since 1996, generates approximately 20% of the overall revenue for the county's general revenue fund. It averages around $4 million of total revenue annually.
"It is important to note that this is not a new tax and just sustains the existing rate (that has been) in place for the past 30 years," county administrator Erica Preston said.
The sales tax is paid by both residents and non-residents making purchases within the county. The emphasis is to attract "good money" by encouraging residents outside of the county to support local businesses inside of it, Preston told The Daily Standard.
The issue on the ballot is the continuation (synonymous with renewal) of the county's half percent permissive sales tax.
All counties get an automatic 1% sales tax, and are allowed to levy an additional half percent. The state collects a sales tax of 5.75% and Auglaize County collects 1.5%, for a total tax rate of 7.25%.
Auglaize County voters are also set to decide on the renewal of a five-year, 1-mill property tax in support of the Auglaize County Council on Aging during the upcoming Nov. 4 general election.
The levy was first passed 15 years ago, and pays for fuel for buses used to transport clients to doctor's appointments, hospitals for dialysis treatments and other activities; as well as fuel for the Chore Department's vehicles, Homemaker Service's vehicles and the council's outreach specialists.
Levy money is additionally used for wages, insurance for the vehicles, and buildings and supplies.
The Chore Department provides lawn mowing, builds handicap ramps for clients and other jobs within the client's home. The Homemaker Service provides light house keeping, grocery shopping and more. Outreach Services provide Intake assessments for all clients, gives out information and issues referrals for clients.
The services the council on aging provides to seniors aged 60 and up are provided at no charge.
If any seniors in Auglaize County need a ride to the polls on Election Day or before to the Auglaize County Election Board for early voting, they are encouraged to contact the council at 419-394-8252.
