Where will the money go? White County debates future of proposed sales tax increase

As White County voters prepare to weigh in on a proposed sales tax increase later this year, county commissioners are already grappling with a question from constituents: what will they do with the increased revenue? During a work session held after the Monday night's committee meetings, the White County Commission discussed potential uses for revenue from a sales tax hike that could generate roughly $1 million annually, sparking debate over property tax relief, infrastructure needs, and long-standing budget gaps.

The proposal, which will appear on the May Primary ballots for the public to vote on, would raise the county’s portion of the sales tax from 2.25 percent to 2.75 percent. While no final decisions were made, commissioners acknowledged that how the money is allocated could determine whether voters approve the increase at the ballot box.