OFFICIALS, PUBLIC SHOW SUPPORT FOR SALES TAX INCREASE

COSHOCTON - The second of two public hearings on a proposed sales tax
increase heard opposite views from those voiced last week.

Coshocton County Commissioners held two sessions for public input about a
0.5 percent county sales tax increase they are considering for the November
ballot.

"This sales tax we're talking about is a 0.5 percent sales tax. It's for
the criminal justice system, which can include the prosecutor's office, the
courts and the sheriff's office," Commissioner Dane Shyrock said.

"A 0.5 percent sales tax was rolled by the state of Ohio about a month
ago," he said. "We were paying 7 percent, and what we're proposing would
bring it back to 7 percent."

Of the 6.5 percent sales tax currently collected in Coshocton County, the
county's share is 1 percent. Forty-six of Ohio's 88 counties collect a
higher sales tax, Shyrock said. Information is available on the Ohio
Department of Taxation's Web site.

If passed, the increase would generate about an additional $1.2 million.

About 15 people attended Wednesday's hearing, many of them representatives
of various county departments, including the sheriff's office.

"We've had quite a bit of discussion regarding our financial situation,"
said Capt. Jon Mosier. Because of financial constraints, the sheriff's
office is operating with a smaller staff at a time when the county seems to
be facing an increase in drug-related crimes and violence, he said.

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents recently arrested three people in
Coshocton who could be members of a Los Angeles-area gang looking to set up
a drug-dealing network linked across the U.S. from California to Coshocton.

"We'd like to get our staff back up to where we can protect the public,"
Mosier said. "And take drastic steps to deal with that, as well as respond
to our day-to-day calls."

The sheriff's office payroll has been reduced by eight members during the
past couple of years, said Sheriff Tim Rogers.

"No one likes taxes, but I do feel I, as sheriff, and everyone in our
office, has done everything in our means to be thrifty," he said.

A Coshocton County detective at the hearing noted an increase in
drug-related crime since 1992, with the last couple of years being the worst.

Coshocton County has one detective assigned to narcotics investigations,
while Licking County has six and Muskingum County has five.

The sheriff's office needs more operating funds "to keep our thumb on it,"
Rogers said.

His voice was joined by several others from the sheriff's office.

"We would ask that you put the tax back on as a resolution, that's our
request," Mosier said.

Commissioners can enact up to a 1.5 percent sales tax without putting the
issue before voters.

"I think this is an opportunity to sign it in - get tough on crime," said
Bob Batchelor, Coshocton County prosecutor.

Irene Miller, Coshocton County Clerk of Courts, said the rise in crime and
the need for additional funds doesn't just affect the sheriff's office.

"The court system has exploded with the case load, both criminal and
civil," she said. She echoed the sentiments of others in the room, asking
commissioners to enact the sales tax increase without putting it before voters.

"You cannot feel threatened. Pass the resolution," she said.

Dick Tompkins, Coshocton County Auditor, said the county's cash balance at
the end of 2005 will be lower than ever before, at least in the 20 plus
years he's been in office.

"It forebodes a rough 2006," he said. He supports the proposed tax increase.

The general public was represented by two voices at the hearing.

Mike Boals, a Coshocton resident, asked if any of the money would be
designated for a new jail. Shyrock said at this time, thoughts were to use
the money generated strictly for operating expenses, not capital improvements.

Boals said the city of Coshocton should be supporting the jail.

"They're benefiting from it and I think they need to be contributing to
it," he said.

Local resident Marilyn Wiley said she has a concern about rising taxes, but
feels the sales tax increase will be beneficial.

"I do think you should pass the resolution, not put it on the ballot," she
said. "It's the best way to help everyone out."

One question is whether a resolution for a sales tax increase has to be
passed with a unanimous vote by the board, Commissioner Grant Daugherty said.

An answer is being sought by Batchelor, and the board has until Aug. 24, or
two more regular meetings, to make a decision whether the 0.5 percent sales
tax increase will be on the November ballot.