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Lorain County commissioners approve placing quarter-percent sales-tax increase for sheriff on November ballot
Summary
The Board of Commissioners voted to place a one-quarter percent sales and use tax increase on the Nov. 5, 2025 ballot to create a dedicated revenue stream for criminal justice and sheriff operations; commissioners said the move restores a previously levied rate and will be decided by voters.
Lorain County commissioners voted July 29 to place a one-quarter percentage-point increase in the county sales and use tax on the Nov. 5, 2025 ballot to create a dedicated revenue stream for criminal and administrative justice services, including the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.
The ballot measure was approved unanimously by the three commissioners present. Commissioner Gallagher said the board’s role is to “let the taxpayers make the decision.” Commissioner Moore said the proposal restores a revenue level the county had previously used and described it as “a politically free and stable revenue stream for law enforcement.” Commissioner Riddell added that the sheriff’s office represents about 30 percent of the county budget and that the county has been moving to identify cuts and efficiencies while seeking a stable funding source.
The commissioners said proceeds would support multiple public-safety priorities mentioned during the discussion, including radio network towers, 9-1-1 improvements and emergency management improvements. Gallagher said the measure is intended to be specific to the sheriff’s office, distinguishing it from a prior general-fund sales-tax increase the county previously had in effect.
No formal fiscal breakdown or estimated revenue total was included in the public discussion; commissioners said additional public engagement will continue over the coming weeks. The board discussed having the measure placed on the November ballot so voters decide whether to adopt the dedicated funding stream.
Action: The motion to place the question on the Nov. 5, 2025 ballot carried with all three commissioners voting aye.
Why it matters: Commissioners described the measure as a way to establish a stable funding source for the sheriff and related justice services after federal funding that temporarily bolstered county finances was exhausted. The measure will be decided by voters; if approved, the county will adopt the dedicated revenue stream for the stated criminal-justice purposes.
