Adding to the numerous decisions for voters to make this November, Blount County residents will see a sales tax referendum on the ballot.

County commissioners voted to allow for the referendum to be placed on the ballots, and if it goes through, the county’s sales tax rate will go up from 9.25 percent to 9.75 percent.

Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell said the extra tax will help to make up for some of the shortfall county schools have experienced, but it won’t totally correct the problem.

Mitchell estimated even if the increase passes there will still be a shortfall close to $3 million.

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