Voters in Piatt County tomorrow will be heading to the polls to decide whether to support a one-cent sales tax for county schools.

Monticello voters will be doing the same, and will also be voting on a referendum on whether to support the school district moving forward on building a new high school. According to Superintendent Dr. Vic Zimmerman, community forums and feedback have suggested this is something the community would be in favor of.

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As the district presented costs of a new school building, Dr. Zimmerman indicates the community suggested the idea of utilize the piece of legislation that allows districts tax money for facility upgrades.

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Dr. Zimmerman stresses the referendum for a new school in Monticello is entirely separate from the referendum for the sales tax. He explains only voters in Monticello will see the question about the new school referendum and also stresses other districts in Piatt County will not be funding a potential new school in Monticello.

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Many residents may be concerned with the overall tax rate going up in Monticello and Piatt County, but Dr. Zimmerman points out, when you look at surrounding counties, specifically Champaign and Macon Counties, if the tax passes, the tax rate will still be lower than those two places.

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Dr. Zimmerman notes Monticello is expected to generate around $400-thousand in tax revenue. The rest of the districts in Piatt County would stand to gain just under $100-thousand each, depending on student enrollment.

Dr. Zimmerman says his ultimate goal is for voters of the County to be educated on the tax before they go to the polls tomorrow. He encourages anyone with questions and concerns to contact him.

Administrators of schools cannot solicit a yes or no vote.