Lyon County voters will have their say on the future of the countywide one-percent sales tax after County Commission action Thursday morning.
Commissioners voted unanimously to put the tax extension on the November ballot for public approval. The one-cent tax has been in place 12 years, having been first approved by voters in 2009 and extended in 2012. Discussions are underway to extend the tax another 15 years.
The tax generates funds for all Lyon County towns, with Emporia getting the lion’s share — 48 to 53 percent per year, according to Mayor Rob Gilligan. After the City Commission approved a letter of support for the extension Wednesday night, Gilligan said the city share has funded a variety of projects, including street repairs, stormwater improvements, park investments and upgrades to the David Traylor Zoo through the nearly $20 million in revenues collected during the life of the tax.
The general election is Nov. 2.
