Area voters may have one more issue to consider during the November election, as Howard County commissioners are expected to call for voter approval on a .5 percent increase in sales tax outside of the city.

The measure — called the County Assistance District Sales Tax by the Texas Comptroller's office — would allow the county to collect and additional one-half of 1 percent on sales tax, according to County Judge Mark Barr.

“According to the information we've received from the state comptroller's office, the county would receive between $200,000 and $250,000 a year from the tax,” said Barr. “That's certainly a help to the budget, but it's certainly not a cure-all.”

The sales tax — which could range from 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2 of 1 percent — would effect all of the unincorporated portions of the county, as well as the cities of Coahoma and Forsan, but would not effect vendors located in the city of Big Spring, which falls under the umbrella of the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation. According to Barr, commissioners plan to collect the maximum amount allowed by law, or one-half of 1 percent.

Barr said the funds would be used for specific departments, as required by state law surrounding the district tax.

“The funds would be used for the sheriff's office, the road and bridge department and the volunteer fire department,” said Barr. “It would allow us to put more deputies on the street when necessary, work on the roads and give Volunteer Fire Chief Tommy Sullivan more resources to work with. Of course, the money would go into the general fund. However, state law is very clear what it can be used for, and that's something we're paying very close attention to.”

Barr said one of the possible stumbling blocks for the implementation of the sales tax — opposition from cities in Howard County other than Big Spring — has already been cleared.

“Both city councils for Coahoma and Forsan have passed measures supporting the sales tax by unanimous votes,” said Barr. “That was one of the things that could have complicated this, but I feel like they are behind us on this.”

The idea of tacking on the additional sales tax was first brought to the commissioners court in July by Commissioner Gary Simer.

According to information on Window on State Government — a Web site provided by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs — the district must use the sales tax revenues to perform the following functions of the district:

• the construction, maintenance, or improvement of roads or highways;

• the provision of law enforcement and detention services;

• the maintenance or improvement of libraries, museums, parks, or other recreational facilities;

• the provision of services that benefit the public welfare; or

• the promotion of economic development and tourism.

If commissioners plan to present the matter to voters during the November election, the court will have to approve sending it to the polls by Tuesday.

Commissioners are also expected to consider a number of routine items during Monday's meeting, including insurance proposals and bids and a budget work session.

The meeting will get under way at 10 a.m. Monday in the commissioners courtroom, located on the second floor of the County Courthouse.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it