Lorain County holds second public hearing on reinstating quarter‑percent sales tax for sheriff’s office

Lorain County commissioners held a second public hearing on a proposal to reinstate a quarter‑percent sales tax dedicated to the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, officials said Tuesday, asking voters to decide whether to restore a sales‑tax levy that was reduced in 2020.

The proposal would add 0.25 percentage points to the county sales tax and dedicate the revenue to sheriff’s operations, presenters said. Sheriff Jack Hall and county staff described budget shortfalls, described specific line‑item pressures — especially costs tied to prisoner transport, vehicle leases and personnel — and said the tax would reduce General Fund support for the sheriff’s office by an estimated $13 million this year if approved.

The hearing provided the sheriff’s office and commissioners a public forum to explain why officials say a dedicated revenue stream is needed. “On $100, it is a quarter,” Sheriff Jack Hall said, describing the consumer impact. He said the sheriff’s office’s 2025 budget…