Erie County sales tax rate falls short of expectations

PERKINS TWP. — It's a mixed bag of reactions for Erie County's year-end sales tax figures:• The good news: The 2016 collection totaled $15.9 million, trumping final figures from 2014 and 2015.• The bad news: The 2016 collection fell about $209,000 short of what officials budgeted for this past year.Sales tax money accounts for about half of Erie County's annual income injected into the $29 million everyday operating budget. Sales tax money helps cover many services, such as judicial, maintenance and sheriff operations.The shortfall, however, shouldn't impede operations one bit, Erie County commissioner Pat Shenigo said. He said there's no reason to implement drastic cuts or call for layoffs. The everyday operating budget's year-end projected surplus of $1.8 million should offset this negative number.Erie County receives sales tax money each time consumers purchase taxable items. In Erie County, the sales tax rate equals 6.75 percent. It's among the lowest rates among Ohio's 88 counties.Erie County sales tax numbersRecent year-end collection• 2016: $15.9 million• 2015: $15.5 million• 2014: $14.4 million2016 budgeted projections• 2016 budgeted amount: $16.1 million• 2016 actual amount: $15.9 million• Difference: -$209,000Note: All figures roundedSource: Erie County finance departmentReach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.