Hancock County To Pursue Higher Sales Tax To Fund Capital Improvements

6/29/17 – 5:05 A.M.

Hancock County will likely ask voters to approve a higher sales tax this November. The Courier reports elected officials met Wednesday to talk about county finances. They unanimously agreed the county should pursue a three-quarter percent sales tax. The commissioners would earmark a quarter of the tax for flood mitigation, another quarter for operations, and the last quarter for capital improvements.

County officials have talked about possibly expanding the county jail to house more inmates. There are also discussions about possibly building a new county administrative office near the post office. The building would also replace the probate/juvenile court building on Dorney Plaza.

Before the issue can appear on the ballot the commissioners have to approve two resolutions. One resolution would determine how much money the tax would generate. The second resolution would place the issue in front of voters. To appear on the November ballot the commissioners have to submit the issue before August 9.

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