Knox County voters will be asked a second time on Election Day if they want to raise the sales tax by 0.25%.
The increase is estimated to bring in at least $50,000 a month. Upgrades to the 911 system are estimated to cost at least $750,000.
Sheriff David Clague said that the current 911 system is outdated. It was installed in 1995. He added that the system was expected to be obsolete after 10 years.
Clague does not know how much longer the county can go on with the current system.
“Our 911 coordinator is very thankful everyday it’s still working," Clague said. "To say it’s going to go on for another year, who knows. Everything is so outdated, they no longer provide parts, service, or anything for the current 911."
He said there is no back-up system if the current system were to fail. If that happens, residents would have to dial different seven-digit phone numbers to receive emergency services.
Clague said a sales tax increase is preferred over doing a property tax hike because with the sales tax, the cost won't fall solely onto resident's shoulders.
He said anyone who comes into the county and spends money whether it's to go grocery shopping, out to eat or buy gas will be getting taxed.
The referendum was also on the primary ballot in the spring, but was voted down.
Clague believes an increased effort to inform the public about the need for an updated system will swing the vote differently.
“No one, including myself, had really gotten out to talk to the public,” Clague said. “I’ve heard more than one person come up to me and say ‘Ya’know, had I know what you’ve discussed already today about back in the spring, I would have voted in favor of it’.”
Clague estimates that he’s spoken to at least 25 different groups about the referendum this time, compared to just a couple in the spring.
