JEFFERSON — A majority of Ashtabula County commissioners approved a transfer tax increase meant to salvage the county’s tax map room.
By a 2-1 vote, the board approved legislation that will hike the tax from 20 cents to 30 cents per $100 of valuation effective June 12. The tax is paid by the seller of real estate or a manufactured home. The tax could raise between $80,000 and $100,000 through the rest of the year, depending on the number of property sales, officials said.
Commissioner Daniel Claypool said the increase is regrettable, but necessary to maintain the map room, used extensively by real estate firms. The tax hike idea, first broached in March, had the blessing of other county officials and local real estate companies.
“Two public hearings have told us how critical the map room is,” Claypool said. “There are no other alternatives to fund (the room).”
Other counties across northeast Ohio use a similar tax to operate their map rooms, he said.
Commissioner Peggy Carlo said the extra expense incurred by the tax can always be negotiated with the real estate agent.
“This point in time it’s something we need to do,” she said. “(The map room) provides a service realtors need and want.”
Opposed to the tax was Commissioner Joe Moroski, who said an added expense to taxpayers is unwise. The tax would have a “disproportional effect” on residents, especially senior citizens, he said.
Claypool challenged Moroski on his stance.
“It’s easy to vote no,” he said. “Are there any other alternatives to keep the map room?”
Moroski replied the county has always found money for priority projects. “(The tax hike) is a bad idea in this economy.”
Local News
Transfer tax raised
- Local News
-
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
The Buckeye Local Board of Education will conduct interviews with six superintendent hopefuls next week, said Board President Jacqueline Hillyer.
-
Shooting suspect to be tried as adult
A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday after hearing a sheriff’s deputy describe how the teen wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” and admitted shooting people.
-
Ohio EPA takes AIM at site of hazardous wastes
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency staff members returned this week to the site of the now-bankrupt Ashtabula Iron and Metal on West 30th Street to take samples of the unknown liquids and analyze hazardous wastes, asbestos and other potential health and environmental concerns.
-
Commissioners look at selling nursing beds
Commissioners have retained the services of a law firm that specializes in the sale of excess nursing home beds as the board looks at ways to raise additional revenues.
-
Conneaut looks at demolition funds
The city is making preparations to secure its share of nearly $692,000 in demolition funds expected to be Ashtabula County’s portion of a multi-billion dollar settlement with national mortgage lenders.
-
Volunteers get more help than needed at rescue spot
Despite their good intentions, Edward and Mary proved more hindrance than help to the Conneaut KeyBank employees lending a helping hand Thursday to a farm animal rescue operation in Kingsville Township.
-
220 graduate at Lakeside
Thursday night was a time of pomp, circumstance and smiles as 220 seniors graduated from Lakeside High School.
-
Lost money?
There is no map, and “X” may not mark the spot, but hundreds of Ashtabula County residents may have unclaimed cash ready and waiting for them through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
-
Lane to be tried as adult in Chardon High shooting
A 17-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday.
-
Happy Hearts School holds commencement for its Class of 2012
As commencement exercises go in Ashtabula County, the one at Happy Hearts School was small, with just five students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job

