The city council in Normal has approved a sales tax increase of 1 cent per dollar to fund mental health services.

If Bloomington also approves the tax increase in a vote on Monday, the change will take effect Jan. 1.

Ten percent of the estimated $6 million in extra annual revenue will go toward mental health.

Reports indicate the rest could be split among projects such as athletic fields, public transit and business development.

The Normal City Council voted 6-0 on Tuesday to increase the sales tax from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent.

Council member R.C. McBride says it's not like splurging on a new convertible in "some midlife crisis." He says, "These are investments."