The sales tax — which could range from 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2 of 1 percent — would affect all of the unincorporated portions of the county, as well as the cities of Coahoma and Forsan, but would not affect 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 one hurdle that could keep the tax from going to voters in November — opposition from the cities of Forsan and Coahoma — has been cleared.

“Jerry (Kilgore, commissioner) and I both met with the Forsan City Council and the Coahoma City Council, and they approved it unanimously. They didn't have any problems with it,” said Barr.

Kilgore agreed, saying he's not sure if the citizens in Coahoma and Forsan will vote for the tax, but their city council has agreed not to stand in the way of giving the voters the chance to decide.

“I don't know whether they are going to vote for it or not,” said Kilgore with a laugh. “They did do us a favor, however, so we can get it on the ballot. They didn't have any opposition to it that I could tell.”

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.”

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: