JEFFERSON COUNTY — Jefferson County will decide during the March primary election whether or not to boost local sales tax by one percent.

Part of the money generated would be designated to help pay for finishing touches on the new Mt. Vernon Township High School.

But some Jefferson County residents are urging a ‘no’ vote on the tax increase, and are criticizing construction of the new high school for being over budget, while others argue boosting the county sales tax could drive business away.

The new Mt. Vernon Township High School is set to open this August, but is being criticized by some for being several million dollars over budget, with a final cost of about $74 million.

Leaders at Mt. Vernon Township High School are still waiting on just over $5 million in state money for the new facility, thanks to the state budget impasse. If they don’t see that money by August, they argue revenue from the proposed sales tax hike would help cover it.

The sales tax money would also go to help other school districts in the county.