Voters overwhelmingly reject North Canton's income tax hike

NORTH CANTON ‒ A majority of voters have rejected North Canton's permanent 0.5% income tax increase request in Tuesday's election.

The tax failed by 848 votes − 2,540 against and 1,692 in support − based on unofficial results from the Stark County Board of Elections. The results reflect residents who voted early in person or by mail and those who voted Tuesday but they do not include provisional ballots.

"The election did not turn out the way I had hoped, or we had hoped," Mayor Stephan Wilder said late Tuesday night. "But I want to take this moment to thank all who voted in the primary election, especially to those North Cantonians who voted in support and provided encouragement for passage."

The issue failed by 60%, unofficial results show. In one Ward 2 precinct, nearly 67% of its voters opposed the tax hike.

"I still have faith in our community and our city that everyone will continue to care for the safety and well-being of one another," Wilder said.

The elections board has until April 9 to certify the ballot results.

Wilder: Officials will regroup and discuss new paths forward

Had it passed, the tax hike would have taken effect Jan. 1 and raised the city's income tax rate to 2%. It has been 1.5% since 1971.

It also would have generated an additional $3.6 million a year.

City officials were hoping revenue from the tax hike could pave more streets, address emergency services expenses, offset a budget deficit, repair or replace Dogwood Pool, and provide some dollars for the construction of a new fire station at Viking and North Main streets.

Wilder said his administration and members of City Council would regroup and discuss alternatives going forward. One of those possibilities is another ballot issue. He also said the city still intends to replace two fire stations with one larger complex, but Tuesday's defeat makes it more "challenging."

"I still think that we can come together and still take positive and creative lasting action for the betterment of our community," the mayor said.

Stark County primary election updates: North Canton voters weigh income tax increase

The hike would've applied to all North Canton residents who work, no matter the location, and all nonresidents who work in the city. North Canton residents who work outside the city would have retained a tax credit that covers up to 1.5% they pay in income taxes to other cities.

A person who earns $50,000 annually would have paid another $250 a year. Income from Social Security, pensions and investments is not taxable by the city.

Here's what North Canton voters said about the income tax request

Ray Meade, 60, and Alice Hegnauer, 73, were among those who voted in person on Tuesday. They had different opinions on the tax issue.

"I live here in North Canton and it's a very nice area and everything, but the taxes are high," Meade said, who voted against the request. "I can't see the justification for the taxes, a lot of them."

Hegnauer, who supported the tax, said: "We haven't had an increase in a long time. It's not a big increase. I think to keep our roads good and to keep everything the way it is. ... We choose to live here and we want it kept nice."

Staff writer Grace Springer contributed to this story.

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: North Canton sought 0.5% income tax hike in Tuesday's election