$14 million could hang in the balance if Columbiana county commissioners can't get voters on board to renew a 1% sales tax by the end of 2025.

The Columbiana County Board of Commissioners hosted their second hearing Wednesday morning to explain the measure to members of the public and hear their concerns.

Board of Commissioners president Mike Halleck says the 1% sales tax in question, alongside a 0.5% sales tax, has been in effect for many years. But the tax measure received a resounding "no" from voters when it was put on the November 2024 ballot for renewal - a result the commissioners hope to avoid when it's brought up for a vote in the future.

"If it fails then next year, 2026 -- it would be devastating," Halleck tells 21 News. "You wouldn't even recognize this county."

Both the 1% and 0.5% sales taxes are considered to be a critical source of revenue for the county's general fund, which demands a tight spending plan.

"We have one of the lowest budgets per capita in the state of Ohio," Halleck noted.

Even so, Columbiana is already seeing the effects of changing financial times. The county's funds carrying over from 2024 into 2025 were $1.9 million less than the total one year prior, which is something the commissioners attribute to the impact of inflation on county expenses, and on residents' wallets.

"During covid there was a lot of money flying around," Halleck said. "That money has dried up, and I don't think people are spending like they did."

Commissioners have two opportunities to get the 1% sales tax passed for the next 5 years before the conclusion of 2025. Should it fail, a number of departments that rely on that revenue could see major cuts.

"The Sheriff's department would bear the blunt of it," Halleck tells 21 News. "Over 70 percent of the sales tax dollars go toward the criminal justice system."

The issue is expected to be approved by the county next week to appear on the next special election ballot.