Columbus Adjusts Sales Tax to Fund Road Repairs and Workforce Programs

The Columbus City Council approved the Fiscal 2027 Budget and Revenue Ordinance on July 7, 2026. The measure raises the local sales tax by one-half percentage point to 7.5 percent beginning January 1, 2027. Proceeds are allocated to the Department of Public Service and the Columbus Workforce Development Board.

City budget documents show that Franklin County has faced a $28 million shortfall in capital maintenance funds over the past two years. The ordinance responds to that gap by creating a dedicated infrastructure account. State law requires the new rate to be reviewed by voters if collections exceed projections by more than 15 percent in any fiscal year.

Effects on City Services and Employment

Residents who use Central Ohio Transit Authority routes will see continued funding for bus fleet replacements. The budget papers list $12 million for new vehicles and $4.2 million for expanded service on the No. 2 and No. 10 lines. Workers employed by city contractors on road projects will receive wage rates set by the prevailing wage schedule published by the Ohio Department of Commerce.

The legislation states that $9 million will support the Columbus Career Center on East Main Street. The center is projected to serve 1,800 trainees annually in construction, logistics and information technology fields. Local advocates note that enrollment at the center has risen 22 percent since 2024.

Property owners in the city limits will not face an immediate change in assessed values under the ordinance. The Columbus Division of Revenue will begin collecting the higher sales tax at point of sale for all taxable transactions inside the municipal boundary.

City officials have scheduled three public meetings in August at the Columbus Municipal Building to explain collection procedures. The first quarterly revenue report under the new rate is due to council on April 15, 2027.