UNIOPOLIS, Ohio – The Auglaize County Commissioners are seeking a sales tax extension, which will be put to voters in the November election.
The continuation proposes a permissive 0.5% sales tax. Auglaize County has collected this sales tax for the past 30 years, and it is used to cover a variety of expenses in the general fund. This fund supports the county’s main operations, such as the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, and accounts for 20% of the general revenue fund. Auglaize County officials say a healthy general revenue fund allows for future opportunities.
“A strong general revenue fund has enabled us to obtain grant funding. When we look at the numbers from 2020 to 2024, we’ve been able to secure more than $22 million in grant funding, and we’re able to do so because we have the funds to match and say, “We can do this project, and we have the operational funds to continue it once it’s completed.” The commissioners could impose this sales tax permanently, but it’s one of those litmus tests where we say, ‘Okay, every ten years, let’s hear from the voters that we’re doing a good job,'” says Auglaize County Administrator, Erica Preston.
If you would like to learn more about the levy, the Auglaize County Commissioners will hold the following public informational meetings: