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Board hears proposal for local cigarette tax to add revenue cushion
Summary
County finance staff presented a proposed ordinance to impose a cigarette tax of 2¢ per cigarette (40¢ per 20‑pack) to generate additional local revenue; staff projected six‑month receipts of roughly $150,000–$200,000 and said the tax would be considered for FY26 planning, with implementation beginning in January if adopted.
Ms. Scott presented a proposed ordinance to add a local cigarette tax to Warren County Code (Article 24, Chapter 160). The proposed rate cited in the presentation is 2¢ per cigarette (equivalent to 40¢ per 20‑pack). Ms. Scott said implementation would be administered through the commissioner’s office and that the board could begin collecting revenue as early as January if the ordinance is approved.
County staff discussed fiscal expectations and compared nearby jurisdictions that were introducing similar levies: one neighboring locality’s attorney suggested roughly $150,000 in receipts in six months for a similar policy; Warren County staff projected up to $200,000 in an initial six‑month period based on their market assumptions. Staff said the item is not currently in the FY25 budget and is intended as part of revenue planning for the FY26 budget.
Board members asked clarifying questions about timing, budget inclusion and implementation. No formal vote or motion occurred at the work session.
