In November, Randolph County voters will determine whether to increase the county’s sales tax to support significant investments in local law enforcement facilities and services.
The county’s quorum court approved an ordinance during its August meeting to place the proposal on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. If adopted, the measure would implement a one-fourth of one percent increase in the county’s sales and use tax to fund a range of initiatives aimed at improving criminal justice operations.
According to the ordinance, the additional tax revenue would be designated for acquiring, constructing, improving, expanding, equipping, furnishing, operating, and maintaining various criminal justice facilities. These include a jail, a sheriff’s station, a courtroom, administrative offices, law enforcement facilities, and 911 emergency communication service facilities.
If approved by voters, the tax increase is intended to address pressing needs within the county’s law enforcement and judicial system, though specific project timelines were not included in the ordinance.
The special election for this proposal will be included on the same ballot as this year’s general election, giving voters a chance to weigh in on the matter on Nov. 3.