By Associated Press
Huntsville, AL – Madison County residents could learn Monday afternoon if they'll soon be paying a half-cent more in sales tax.
Commissioners could reconsider their earlier rejection of the proposed increase at a 1 p-m- meeting.
The hike could generate about $21 (m) million annually to launch about a dozen major school construction projects throughout the county's three school systems.
Local business leaders are pushing for the tax because new money is needed to create space for an estimated 9,000 students who will move to the area by 2011 as the Pentagon transfers jobs to Redstone Arsenal.
If it passes, the increase could raise the sales tax to 8-point-5 cents within the city limits and 6 cents outside.
The commission rejected the proposal in October with a 4-to-2 vote, but some of them now say they've changed their minds and the tax hike may be approved.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)