MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio (WKBN) – Voters have narrowly approved a Mahoning County sales tax that will be used for road improvements.

According to unofficial voting returns, just over 52% of the voters said “yes” on Issue 1.

It’s a quarter-percent sales tax. The levy will last five years and generate $8 to 9 million a year, allowing every community with a county-maintained road or bridge to see improvements.

One hundred percent of the money will go to roadway infrastructure – no salaries, buildings or equipment.

Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginnetti previously said that he hopes that voters understood why this was on their 2021 ballot.

“I am just hoping that the voters have been informed and understand why this is on the ballot and the troubles that this department has with stagnant budgets and increased costs. This really will change the face of the county and gives the chance to have everyone be a part of that,” he said.

Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti reacted to the vote on Tuesday night.

“I’m actually very excited to see that the Mahoning County residents came out and that they voted for this sales tax,” she said.

“This is a plus for Mahoning County. The roads will be done.”